Atriplex hymenelytra (Torr.) S. Watson
Desert holly
Kingdom Plantae Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
Subkingdom Tracheobionta Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
Division Magnoliophyta Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms
Class Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
Subclass Caryophyllidae Cacti, many other succulents, carnivorous plants, and leadworts
Order Caryophyllales Includes cacti, carnations, amaranths, ice plants, and many carnivorous plants
Family Amaranthaceae Amaranth family
Genus Atriplex An ancient Latin name for this plant
Species hymenelytra
About plant names...
Desert holly is a type of saltbush.
Identification: This bush has a thickened, woody base, and is 12-59″ (30-150 cm) high. It has silvery green
leaves and twisted leaves with multiple pointed tips, like holly. Leaves are ⅜-1½″ (1-4 cm) long,
with teeth up to ⅜″ (1 cm). The fruits, enclosed in modified
leaves, are red-brown, and look a bit like holly berries. Flowers are yellow to purple-brown, in spikes
up to 1″ (3 cm) long.
Online References:
The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (great photos)
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Wikimedia Commons
CalPhotos
SEINet—the Southwest Environmental Information Network
The Jepson Manual
Atriplex hymenelytra description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.
10/4/2003 · Death Valley, California · By Constance B. Kent ID is uncertain
Range:
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