Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Haloxylon salicornicum
Rimth Saltbush
The Haloxylon salicornicum, commonly known as the Rimth Saltbush, is a low, densely branched shrub of the gravel plains and shallow depressions of Arabia, Iraq and Iran. It is effectively leafless, working through succulent jointed blue-green shoots that give it a fine, almost coral-like texture.
It is one of the most abundant and important native shrubs of the Arabian gravel desert, tolerating salinity, drought and grazing in combination. Specifiers use it for large-scale native restoration, gravel plain revegetation and low shrub mass.
Specifications
- Height0.3 to 1 metre
- Width0.6 to 1.5 metres
- Native toThe Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Iran and the Levant, on gravel plains and shallow depressions
- FoliageEffectively leafless; succulent jointed blue-green shoots carry out photosynthesis; evergreen
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilAccepts gravelly, sandy, gypseous and mildly to moderately saline soils; requires free drainage
- LightFull sun
- WaterVery low; strongly drought-tolerant and adapted to shallow depressions that catch occasional runoff
- ClimateThrives in hot arid regions with very low rainfall and is fully adapted to Gulf conditions
Additional Features
- FormLow, dense, rounded mound of fine jointed shoots reading as blue-green texture in mass planting
- UsesLarge-scale native restoration, gravel plain revegetation, low shrub mass, drought forage reserve
- SpacingPlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for continuous native cover
- Low MaintenanceRequires no irrigation, pruning or feeding once established
- Pest ResistanceFree of significant pest and disease problems
- Salt ToleranceGood tolerance of saline and gypseous soils, holding cover where salinity rises in depressions
- Drought ToleranceVery high, one of the defining shrubs of the Arabian gravel desert
- Environmental BenefitsA keystone species for gravel plain restoration and a critical dry season grazing reserve
The Rimth Saltbush is the native ground shrub of the Arabian gravel plain, and any restoration scheme on that ground should include it.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026