Atriplex halimus

Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae) (Mediterranean saltbush) is a halophytic shrub that is widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions around the Mediterranean basin and east to Saudi Arabia, at elevations less than 900 m. It grows on a variety of soils, from fine to coarse texture, with varying degrees of salinity. There are two sub-species of A. halimus: halimus is diploid (2n = 2x = 18) and is found at semi-arid,  A. halimus is exposed to high light intensity and temperature and varying degrees of drought and salinity; it can also withstand sub-zero winter temperatures or soil contamination by trace elements. Some of its physiological and biochemical tolerance mechanisms – such as adjustment of plant water relations – are common to all or several of these environmental stresses, but others are specific to particular stresses.

Tolerant to drought, salinity, and alkaline soils • Good plant for phytoremediation of highly saline soils • Self-reproduces • Can grow in shallow soils, on steep slopes, and in depressions • Can grow in various soil types • Produces a lot of seed after two growing seasons