Atriplex holocarpa

Atriplex holocarpa is a low-growing species of Atriplex (saltbush) found throughout arid regions of Australia. A. holocarpa is commonly known as pop saltbush (a name it shares with Atriplex spongiosa), because its carpels pop when stepped upon.

Atriplex holocarpa was described by Ferdinand von Mueller during his 1859 voyages through inland Australia. The name 'Atriplex' is from the Latin atriplexum, meaning 'orache', a plant used in ancient times as a spinach substitute.

The Latin holocarpa describes the spongey carpel and holocarpa denotes the plant's whole (holo-) carpel (-carpa). Atriplex species are typified by seeds enclosed in hard or spongey bodies consisting of two small bracts.