Enchylaena tomentosa, Ruby Saltbush

A sub-shrub (that is, a low-growing, semi-woody plant) with procumbent or ascending pubescent, trailing branches which may grow to 1 m long. A height of 1 meters is occasionally attained, however, plants are commonly only 40-50cm in height.

The evergreen leaves, which are cylindrical, semi-succulent and up to 2 cm long, are covered with fine white hairs (tomentose) , giving the plant an attractive grey appearance overall. The single, small white flowers occur from spring to autumn. These are followed by very showy, small (5 mm diameter) berries which are red when ripe. It is usual for the differing colour stages to be present on a plant at the one time, adding greatly to the visual impact. The berries are high in Vitamin C.

Ruby Saltbush occurs extensively in inland areas as well as coastal areas of Australia, the plant is able to grow on saline soils, saltmarsh, sand dunes, copes well with poor soils, drought and frost. Grows in sun to part shade. A good plant to provide stock fodder in drought times, as well as useful bush tucker.