Sea Orach
Atriplex halimus
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Pl. 25B4 — Atriplex halimus
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Orach (Atriplex halimus) is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean and North African regions including Algeria, Baleares, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt, and other nearby areas. This hardy plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it well-suited for dry or moist conditions. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, Sea Orach is both ornamental and useful as an ingredient in various culinary dishes. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in harsh environments, contributing to its resilience and adaptability across a wide range of habitats.
Quick answers
What is Sea Orach?
Sea Orach (Atriplex halimus) is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean and North African regions including Algeria, Baleares, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt, and other nearby areas. This hardy plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Orach thrives in light to medium soil, preferring a pH of 7.5–8. It is drought-tolerant but will also grow well in moist conditions. The plant can handle dry areas and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 7-10. Sea Orach requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 2 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Orach for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Orach to gain experience in growing salt-tolerant plants.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, quality soil, and seeds or a young plant.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8. Ensure containers are at least 12 inches wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the prepared soil, covering them lightly. Alternatively, transplant young plants gently.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination and new growth appears.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly but deeply when needed, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Provide full sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly in spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using soil with a wrong pH, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and planting too deep.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Manna
Other uses:HedgerowSoap makingSoil reclamation
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)CyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia4 regions
native (4)IraqPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
Africa10 regions
native (10)Cabo VerdeEgyptEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMaliMauritaniaMoroccoSomaliaTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 25b4d773-b5d0-433e-9c8d-d092f9a1359e
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