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Saltbush The saltbush or Atriplex semibaccata is a drought tolerant, low-growing shrub and is found in the alkaline soils of the offshore island Mokunui. It has silvery gray evergreen leaves and small red fruit. It forms a dense ground cover which is helpful for erosion control but damaging as an invasive species that can displace native plants. As the name suggests this bush is extremely tolerant of salt content in the groud but it is the fact that the plant retains salt in tis leaves . |
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saltbush is a very strong plant and invasive plant.
The saltbush might also be found in a xeriscape garden because it is resistant to drought and extreme heat, erosion control and to attract birds who eat the berries. The garden requires less maintenance and water. In a garden the saltbush can be watched but on the offshore islands it can grow unthreatened. Methods to maintain this shrub is manual and should be pulled before it bears seeds. |
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The saltbush gets its name from the salt that it retains in its leaves.
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The presence of saltbush on Mokunui is currently rare to occasional but that could change if the plant takes hold and spreads agressively. Visitors who access the island should report any excessive growth of the plant to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. |
