Family: Chenopodiaceae

There are 11 species in this Australian native genus. They have little ornamental value but are useful as fodder plants, sand binders and sometimes groundcover, especially in dry areas. Several rhagodias occur naturally in very arid parts of the country, but more grow wild in cooler regions.

Species

R. baccata, coastal saltbush, is an upright shrub, to 1.2 m (4 ft), which grows well in temperate, coastal areas. It is a useful sand binder. Although flowers are not very decorative, these are followed by red berries that persist for many months.

R. nutans is a prostrate, spreading, evergreen perennial with arrow-shaped leaves and red, sometimes yellow, berries. This species is drought-resistant and is therefore useful groundcover in arid or very dry areas.

R. parabolica, fragrant salt bush, grows naturally in sheltered, rocky valleys, where it reaches around 2.5 m (8 ft).

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool, airy greenhouse or conservatory in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide good light. Outdoors, they are best grown in full sun and in well-drained soil. Propagate from seed or from firm tip cuttings.

Climate

Zone 9 to 10.