Atriplex stipitata
Atriplex stipitata, commonly known as mallee saltbush, bitter saltbush and kidney saltbush, is a species of shrub in the family Amaranthaceae, found in all mainland states of Australia. In South Australia, it flowers all year round, however in other states generally flowers from spring through to autumn. A. stipitata is not considered a threatened species. Description Atriplex stipitata is an erect, generally dioecious, shrub which grows to in height. Its leaves are elliptic and entire, with the apices either obtuse or rounded. The leaf blade is 7 to 25 mm long on a petiole which is 2 to 3 mm long. Male flowers form disjunct spikes, and the well-spaced clusters of female flowers form slender spikes. Bracteoles surround a superior ovary, on a slender stipe which is up to 1 cm long. A. stipitata generally flowers from spring through to autumn. The common name 'kidney saltbush' is derived from the kidney shape of the fruits. When in season, the distinctive fruits make it easily identified. In 2020, N.G.Walsh & Sluiter described a sub species of A. stipitata. This sub species, miscella, presents as a monoecious plant. This sub species varies to the dioecious form. It is distinguished by having finer