Enchylaena tomentosa – Ruby Saltbush

Enchylaena tomentosa – Ruby Saltbush

Habit and Habitat:
Enchylaena tomentosa, commonly known as Ruby Saltbush, is a hardy, low-growing shrub found widely across arid and semi-arid Australia. It thrives in sandy, saline, or rocky soils, making it an important stabiliser in fragile landscapes. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in coastal areas, inland plains, and disturbed sites.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
Ruby Saltbush is a vital component of dryland ecosystems, providing food and shelter for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Its fleshy berries are relished by many bird species, which in turn help disperse the seeds, ensuring the plant’s persistence in harsh environments.

Planting Companions:
In the garden, Ruby Saltbush pairs beautifully with other dryland natives such as Atriplex nummularia (Old-man Saltbush), and native grasses like Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass). Together they create resilient plantings that thrive with minimal water.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
The brightly coloured red to yellow berries are edible and have long been an important bushfood for Indigenous Australians, eaten fresh or dried. Birds and small animals depend on the berries for sustenance, while the plant itself offers groundcover and protection in harsh landscapes.

Care Instructions:
Ruby Saltbush is extremely easy to grow, tolerating drought, frost, and saline soils. It prefers full sun and well-drained conditions but is adaptable to a range of soils. Once established, it requires little supplementary watering and only light pruning to maintain shape. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, erosion control, and habitat plantings.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
This small shrub typically reaches 0.3–1 m high with a spread of up to 1.5 m. Its leaves are small, narrow, and grey-green, covered in fine hairs that help reduce water loss. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by fleshy, berry-like fruits that turn from yellow to a striking ruby red.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name Enchylaena derives from the Greek enchylaino, meaning “to thicken” or “grow fleshy,” referring to its succulent fruits. The species epithet tomentosa means “covered with dense hairs,” describing its woolly foliage.

Traditional Uses:
Indigenous Australians have long harvested the edible berries as a sweet, refreshing snack in the bush. The plant also featured in traditional land management practices as a food source and soil stabiliser.

Planting Guidelines:
For home gardens, Ruby Saltbush is best planted in sunny, well-drained positions. It makes a hardy low hedge or groundcover and thrives in waterwise gardens. Water young plants until established, then allow them to grow with minimal intervention. Its striking berries add seasonal colour and attract wildlife, making it an excellent choice for sustainable native plantings.