Silver saltbush facts for kids

The Atriplex bunburyana, also known as the silver saltbush, is a special type of saltbush plant. It grows only in Western Australia. This plant is known for its pretty silver-blue leaves.

What is the Silver Saltbush?

The silver saltbush is a shrub that can grow up to about one meter (or three feet) tall. It has thin, straight branches. Its leaves are shaped like ovals and are usually between five and 20 millimeters long. They have a slightly blue color because of a thin, scaly layer on them. This layer helps the plant survive in its dry home.

How the Silver Saltbush Got Its Name

The silver saltbush was first described by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller in 1882. He gave it the name Atriplex bunburyanum. Later, the name was slightly changed to Atriplex bunburyana to make it grammatically correct.

The plant was named after a person called Miss Bunbury. She was the one who collected the very first sample of this plant in 1882. She found it near the Gascoyne River in Western Australia. This first sample is called the "type specimen" and it helps scientists identify the plant.

Where Does the Silver Saltbush Live?

This plant is found only in Western Australia. It grows across most of the western part of the state. You can find it both near the coast and further inland, away from the ocean. It's well-suited to the dry conditions of these areas.