This species of saltbush is adapted to inconsistent rainfall, temperature and humidity extremes and to poor soil.

[2] Native to Australia and widespread in all mainland Australian states, A. semibaccata thrives in harsh and saline conditions.

[3] Leaves are white scruffy, subsessile (small stalk) and are spatulate or obovate (oblong or elliptic) when the plant is young.

[2][4] Leaves develop a green to grey-green colour, with a length of 5-30mm and a width of 2-9mm, where the base is tapered and tip obtuse.

[2][6] Fruiting bracteoles are red or orange when mature, as well as having a convex and rhombic shape (diamond like appearance).

[3][5][6] Atriplex semibaccata was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown in his Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.

Phylogenetic analysis has confirmed a deviation from all other tested species (A. halimus, A. amnicola, A. lentiformis, A. canescens, A. undulata and A. nummularia).

[2][11] The genus name Atriplex has Latin origins from the ‘atriplexum’, which has been derived from the Greek word ‘astraphaxes’, which translates to "saltbush" or "orach".

The species epithet ‘semibaccata’ is derived from the Latin word ‘semi’ which translates to "half", while ‘baccata’ means "bearing berries".

[2][11] Located in heavy soil that is slightly saline, in woodland that is close to salt lakes, and is usually an invader of disturbed areas.

[22] Higher saline exposure increases intracellular CO2 concentration and the number of stomata per unit leaf area.

Low and inconsistent rainfall, varying temperatures, humidity and poor soil are contributing factors that involve A. semibaccata to adapt.

A. semibaccata was introduced internationally to various countries, to acquire the drought and saline resistant properties that allow for use as a fodder and ground cover.

[2][29][30] A. semibaccata has been introduced to regions with reduced water availability due to drought and increased temperatures, as a sustainable cover crop that deters potential pest species.

[35] Additional uses of A. semibaccata includes land reclamation without the need for saline water irrigation systems and restoring bare patches of ground.

[2][36] A. semibaccata is used as saltland pasture and produces fodder for grazing animals when sources of paddock feed are limited.

[2] The high salt content in foliage reduces the use of A. semibaccata as a food source if availability of drinking water for livestock is not adequate.

[17] A. semibaccata is suitable for revegetation of marginal lands, with the use of its biomass as an essential oil for the control of microbial infections.

Scaevola coriacea and Sesbania tomentosa are native and endangered grass species of Hawaii, USA.

[2][27][42]  Scaevola coriacea is found in three naturally occurring populations and Sesbania tomentosa is located on the island of Molokai.

[2] In California, USA, A. semibaccata competes with native plants such as Verbesina dissita for space, shade, water and light.

A. semibaccata creates an ecological shift that is caused by competition for resources, shading, ecosystem change and habitat alteration.

This provides the environment for natural breakdown of organic material, aeration and nutrient cycling that keeps A. semibaccata and surrounding vegetation healthy.

[29] Additionally, this abundant soil diversity supports pest predators that prevent harmful organisms from over populating.

Benefits that have a positive economic effect include its value in rehabilitation, medicinal properties as well as food and cover cropper.

The negative economic impact is generated by its invasiveness that endangers native species, causes a change in ecological and alters the surrounding biodiversity.