Atriplex laciniata L., Sp.Pl. 1053, 1753 (p.p); Aellen in Tutin et al., l.c. 96; A. incisa M.Bieb., Fl.Taur-Cauc. 3:641. 1819; Teutilopsis tatarica (L.) Celak. in Oest. Bot. Zeitschr. 22:169.1872.

Annual, (10-) 30-80 cm high, erect or ascending, branched, scurfy-mealy, becoming glabrescent or glabrous later; stem indurated, angular-striate. Leaves up to 6 x 3 cm, lower, long-petiolate, triangular-deltoid to lanceolate-hastate, rounded or acuminate at apex, mostly irregularly sinuate-dentate or incised or laciniate (lobes sometimes lobulate), prominently nerved and scurfy-canescent on both sides. Flowers in clusters and solitary, the former with staminate and pistillate flowers forming mostly leafless short spikes or panicles; the latter only pistillate, scattered in the axils of middle and upper leaves. Perianth of staminate flower 5, obtuse-segmented, fruiting valves 5-8 x 2-5 mm, orbicular or oblong-rhombic, dentate or entire, with or without appendages on back. Stigmas 2, connate at base. Seeds 1.5 mm across, lenticular, black-brown.

Type: “in Tataria”, Herb. Linn. 1221/10 (LINN).

Distribution: Mediterranean, C. Europe, Asia (C. & W.) to Pakistan Himalayas.

A polymorphic species, considered as good forage for animals. R.R. Stewart 26394 (BM) lacks female flowers and is tentatively placed here.