Common Orache is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cropland, roadsides, coastal areas and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 80cm.
Common Orache is a straggly, bushy plant with a greyish appearance. It bears tiny, inconspicuous flowers arranged in dense clusters around the stem. Common Orache is sometimes called the Spear Saltbush, which is descriptive of its spear-shaped leaves (elongated with lateral lobes at the base), and its ability to grow in coastal areas and the verges of salt-treated roads, where the soil has increased salinity.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Orache is a member of the Amaranth (Amaranthaceae) family. The genus name
'Atriplex' identifies the plant as a Saltbush, a plant tolerating saline soil and its species name 'patula' means 'spreading plant'.
Benefits: The salt-tolerance of Common Orache, and its ability to absorb salt, means the plant can be grown and harvested to reduce soil salinity and allow a greater diversity of species to grow.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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