Common orache

Common orache (Atriplex patula) is commonly found on both cultivated and waste ground, especially near coasts, throughout the British Isles.

The plant is closely related to the goosefoots, and may be difficult to identify for this reason, but goosefoot flowers are bisexual whereas those of the common orache are either male or female. Also, the female flowers are enclosed by two green leaf-like structures called bracteoles, which are up to half an inch long. After flowering, the bracteoles hide the fruit.

Male flowers are more open, but the sepals and green petals are almost alike in appearance.

The common orache grows up to 40 inches (100 centimetres) high, flowering in August and September. The stems are branched and are often coloured red. The leaves are toothed.

© John Welford