The Shrubby Orache (Atriplex halimus) is a xerophile plant (of dry places), psammophile (of sandy places), and halophyte (tolerant to high salt values), typical of the Mediterranean. It is a perennial shrubby plant usually 1-2 m high, with very thin branched stems. The bark is greyish-yellow with longitudinal striped and young branches pubescent. It blooms from July to October.
The Atriplex halimus grows principally in coastal environment, it is an undemanding shrub often used for hedges or as windbreak. After blanching in slightly acid water, the young branches of this plant are preserved in oil or vinegar and used as a condiment for various dishes.
Potential new uses of this versatile plant species include the phytoremediation of soils contaminated.