Commonly called the fragrant saltbush Rhagodia parabolica now named Chenopodium parabolicum is grown as a foliage plant.
Also known as the Mealy saltbush this is an evergreen shrub growing up to 3 metres in height with a spread of 2.5 metres.
It is fast growing, suited for use as a low hedge or as a filler in the native garden border and is very easy care. It is also used as a Bush Tucker plant.
The Young leaves are edible with a few provisos, they need to cooked as they have a very salty high salt content and flavour. The saltiness needs to be lowered by boiling the leaves for 30 seconds or so and then changing the watering repeating 2 – 3 times.
Then simmer the leaves for 60 minutes so as to make them tender.
The foliage is a grey-green and the flowers appear sporadically through the year. This is a widely found plant, from South Australia and Victoria through to the Northern Territory.
How to Grow Rhagodia parabolica
This is plant that grows well in coastal conditions any and loam type soils are best.
- Plant in full sun
- A free draining soil is essential
- Pruning to maintain shape can be done in spring.
Landscaping and other uses
Another use for this plant is to attract beneficial insects, so you grow it around your veggie patch and it is said to significantly decrease pest and disease problems.
Use it as a background shrub in the garden border or as a fast growing shrub in a xeriscape type garden where maintenance is minimal.
More Information
- Rhagodia parabolica will reach around 2m in height with a similar spread. It has a very dense growth habit and makes a good habitat plant for small birds, lizards and other small animals.
- The young leaves are edible and have a very salty taste. Boiling and rinsing repeatedly can help reduce the salt content.
- Other Species include Rhagodia spinescens (Look for the named variety ‘Aussie Flat Bush’)which is lower growing and be used a a Native Ground Cover Plant.