Lake-fringe rhagodia (Rhagodia drummondii) in the Western Australian rangelands

Page last updated: Tuesday, 6 July 2021 - 10:02am

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Lake-fringe rhagodia (Rhagodia drummondii) is one of many plant species found in the Western Australian rangelands. This page provides a summary of the plant's value for pastoralism. Pastoral lessees and station managers can use this information to assess pasture condition and trend.

Indicator value

Lake-fringe rhagodia is a desirable species that decreases under heavy grazing. Its presence indicates good pasture condition.

Forage value

Lake-fringe rhagodia is readily eaten by livestock but has some resilience under grazing. It holds its leaves during dry periods and is a good drought reserve. 

Habitat

Salt lake fringe sandy rises.

General description

Lake-fringe rhagodia is a roundish, green-grey shrub that grows up to 1.5m tall and 3m wide. The weeping branches often send down roots where they come into contact with the soil. The leaves are fleshy, spear-shaped and up to 10mm long, 3mm wide and are covered with mealy hairs. There are separate male and female plants. The flowers on each are very small and held in spikes at the end of the branches. The female flowers produce 2mm diameter seeds with a fleshy, red outer layer.