Aussie Bushfoods: Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa)

Ruby Saltbush

Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa) is one of the very common bushfoods that are available at this time of year (August - September at the time of writing). Their small, soft, succulent green leaves and bright red berries are a frequent sight on walks.

While the leaves can be eaten, there are better things to chew on. The tiny red berries are salty sweet, quite tasty, though there's not a lot to them and they contain a seed that you'll have to spit out.

Ruby Saltbush won't give you a full meal, but the beries are quite tasty to snack on while walking.

To identify it, look for a sprawling shrub, around knee high. It will have fine, fleshy leaves that have tiny hairs. The leaves dry to black as the seasons progress. The fruit is a translucent red berry.

See more South Australian bushfoods on our blog.

There's more great bushfoods on our Steemit Aussie Bushfoods Index