Salt bush, Old man

Salt bush, Old man

Artiplex nummularia

Common Name:

Salt bush, Old man

Scientific Name:

Artiplex nummularia


Alternative common names:

Soutbos

Description:

A 1-2m high shrub with many creamy white stems from the base originating from Australian. Old man saltbush has scaly greyish or bluish-green. Flowers are minute and greyish to yellowish in colour, usually appear all year round. Grey-green turning pink or straw-coloured one-seeded fruits are produced.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - Category 2

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape

How does it spread?

Seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and has the potential to replace and reduce indigenous species.

What does it look like?

-Bark: None
-Leaves: Greyish or bluish-green, scaly leaves.
-Flowers: Greyish to yellowish minute flowers in compact, drooping clusters from September to January.
-Fruit/seeds: Grey-green turning pink or straw-coloured fruits.

Does the plant have any uses?

Used to make dry fodder in arid regions.

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