Einadia Hastata

Rounded shrub or perennial herb to about 0.5 m diameter, or prostrate, occasionally straggling with branches to about 1 m long. Dark green foliage turns red before falling. Previously known as Rhagodia hastata.

Weed suppressing ground covers for drier areas.

Flowers, small and yellow in loose to tight clusters. Flowers mostly Nov.–Mar. Fruit red or black, 2-3 mm in diameter.

This versatile plant has fire retardant properties and produces a plentiful supply of berries throughout the year.

It thrives even in heavy soils and has been recorded as a host plant for the Saltbush Blue Butterfly, also known as the Chequered Blue Theclinesthes serpentata.

Belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, it prefers full sun and can adapt to different soil conditions, including moist ones.

This plant can be found in wet sclerophyll forests and its leaves, once boiled to remove excess salt, can be consumed as bush food.

In small quantities, the leaves make a nice addition to garden salads and stir-fry dishes.

The small red fruits are also edible, but they may have a slightly bitter taste.