Amaranthaceae FAMILY

Enchylaena tomentosa

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

1/5

Safety & Hazards

The leaves are rich in oxalic acid. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. It is oxalic acid that gives foods such as rhubarb their acid flavour. Cooking the leaves will greatly reduce the oxalic acid content. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].

Botanical Description

Enchylaena tomentosa is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate; tropical

Native RangeAustralia - all mainland states.

HabitatLoamy and slightly saline soils by the coast in semi-arid areas[ 154 Title Flora of Victoria. Publication Author Ewart. A. J. Publisher University Press; Melbourne Year 1930 ISBN Description A flora of eastern Australia, it is rather short on information that is useful to the plant project. , 157 Title Australian Native Plants. Publication Author Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Publisher Collins. (Australia) Year 1988 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0 Description A lovely book, written in order to encourage Australian gardeners to grow their native plants. A little bit of information for the plant project. ]. Found in salt marshes and rocky headlands as well as in arid zones inland[ 193 Title Wild Food Plants of Australia. Publication Author Low. T. Publisher Angus and Robertson. Year 1989 ISBN 0-207-14383-8 Description Well presented, clear information and good photographs. An interesting read for the casual reader as well as the enthusiast ].