Rhagodia spinescens – Spiny Thorny Berry Saltbush seeds x 25

A native of the arid inland of Australia where it is quite common among low shrubs and open woodlands in all States except Tasmania. Accepting of most soils but more frequent on loams and clay loams but is also commonly found on heavy clays.

A perennial, evergreen shrub with rigid branches growing as a dense groundcover 30cm (10in) high to an upright shrub to 1.5 metres (5ft). The name implies it is spiny but that is not always the case. Some plants develop a spine on the older branches. 

The leaves are mealy-white or greenish, 5 to 10 mm (1/2in) long, oblong to almost round and sometimes lobed at the base. Flowers are in spikes or panicles and are almost inconspicuous. Flowering is most of the year though heaviest in spring to summer. Fruit is deep red berry 5mm (1/4in) in diameter. It is reportedly edible but very bitter.

This plant can be hedged to form a very dense barrier.