Herb: Spreading Orach


Latin name: Atriplex patula


Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)



Medicinal use of Spreading Orach:

The seeds, harvested when just ripe, are said to be as efficacious as ipecacuanha as a laxative.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
75 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Waste and arable land near the coast, it is usually found on clays and heavy ground.

Edible parts of Spreading Orach:

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a spinach substitute. A fairly bland flavour, a few leaves of stronger-flavoured plants can be added to enhance the taste. Seed - ground and mixed with cornmeal or used to thicken soups etc. Small and very fiddly to harvest and use.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow April/May in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Cultivation of Spreading Orach:

Waste and arable land near the coast, it is usually found on clays and heavy ground.

Known hazards of Atriplex patula:

Most reports say that no member of this genus contains any toxins and that all have more or less edible leaves. However, one report says that if very large quantities are eaten they can cause photosensitivity. If plants are grown with artificial fertilizers they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.