Family Code: CHENOP Genus Code: ATRIP Genus CN: saltbush Genus Authority: L. Genus Summary: A genus of about 300 species, herbs and shrubs, of cosmopolitan distribution. Genus Identification: Identification notes: A number of idiosyncratic characters are used in the identification of the species of Atriplex. Many important characters are associated with the mature fruits. The fruit is closely invested by 2 bracteoles, which are variously shaped and ornamented. Mature seeds are dimorphic in most of our species, with larger brown seeds and smaller black seeds. The radicle of the seeds is variously apical, lateral, or basal (which can be seen by observing the seed through the clarified bracteoles or with strong transmitted light). Genus References: Judd & Ferguson (1999)=Z; Clemants (1992)=Y; Welsh in FNA (2003b); Kühn in Kubitzki, Rohwer, & Bittrich (1993). Treatment based closely on Welsh in FNA (2003b) Last Updated: 2019-11-29 Publish: 1