Wongutha Name: Kampul-Kampulpa
Ngalia Name: Yuulpul
Botanical Name: Enchylaena tomentosa
Common Name: Ruby Saltbush
Appearance
Ruby Saltbush is a very hardy, woody, low-growing shrub with fleshy green leaves that are covered in fine white hairs. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear from May to September. This species produces edible berries about 5-8mm in diameter, ranging in colour from yellow to red.
Distribution
Avon Wheatbelt, Carnarvon, Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Great Victoria Desert, Hampton, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Murchison, Swan Coastal Plain, Warren, Yalgoo.
Uses
Ruby Saltbush is a quaint succulent bearing small berries with a crisp, salty-sweet flavour. Berries may be eaten raw or soaked in water to make a sweet tea. The leaves are also edible, but as they’re rich in oxalates, they should be cooked before eating, or consumed sparingly. The fruit can also be used to produce a red dye and have a black stone inside, also edible. The berries are a good source of vitamin C.
Sources
https://tuckerbush.com.au/ruby-saltbush-enchylaena-tomentosa/
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/2511
Vivienne Hansen and John Horsefall 2019, Noongar Bush Tucker – Bush food plants and fungi of the south-west of Western Australia UWAP - UWA Publishing
