Atriplex tatarica aka Tatarian Orach

Atriplex tatarica, or Tatarian orache, is an annual plant. It belongs to Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family. Its native range spans east-central and southern Europe to central Asia. It also reaches the western Himalaya. Kew places it in a subtropical climate group. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. Its habitats include salty deserts and ground with alkaline soil. It also grows along field edges and on wet plains in the Gobi Desert.

Plants reach about 5 feet [1.5 metres] in height. As an annual, it completes its life cycle within one year. PFAF notes that plants can vary in form. The supplied species evidence gives no mature width or detailed leaf description. Flowers appear from July to September. Each plant bears separate male and female flowers. Wind carries pollen between the flowers. Seeds also ripen from July to September. They measure just 1.5–2.5 millimetres across.

Grow this species in full sun rather than shade. PFAF lists sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The soil should drain well, but need not be rich. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and alkaline ground. It can also grow in very alkaline or salty soil. Dry or moist soil suits it, and it tolerates drought. These traits fit its recorded desert and field-edge habitats. PFAF lists cultivated beds as a growing location.

Sow seeds directly where plants will grow in April or May. PFAF reports that seeds tend to sprout soon after sowing. Its guidance suggests growing this plant as a spring-sown annual in Britain. However, the source does not establish its British hardiness. No firm hardiness zone is supplied. The evidence gives no species-specific account of pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag it as a weed risk.

PFAF gives its food value two out of five. Leaves and young plants can be cooked for food. The source describes them as a food for times of shortage. Seeds can also be cooked or ground into meal. The meal can thicken bread mixtures or be blended with flour. The small seed size is worth noting when considering this use. PFAF records no known medicinal uses or other uses. Its medicinal and other-use ratings are both zero.