Thorny Saltbush

Scientific Name:	Rhagodia spinescens	Photograph courtesy of Viridans Biological Databases (external link)
Other Common Names:	Hedge Saltbush, Berry Saltbush
Status:	Native to inland parts of Australia.
Plant Description:	Perennial shrub, with rigid branches to 1.5 m high, the older branchlets often ending in a spine. Leaves mealy-white or greenish, 5 – 10 mm long, oblong to almost round, sometimes lobed at base, tapering into a conspicuous stalk. Flowers in spikes or short panicles. Fruit a deep-red berry, 4-6 mm diameter. Flowering most of the year, but mainly in spring – summer.
Habitat:	A wide range of soils, more frequent on loams and clay loams but also common on heavy clays. Usually in association with other low shrubs, or as an understorey in numerous woodland communities
Comments:	Foliage can spell of stale fish. A drought tolerant species, sparsely grazed by sheep, unless other feed not available.