Are there different types of Oldman saltbush?
No. There is only one strain of Oldman saltbush: however, you should read on for a more detailed explanation. There have been some recent claims made regarding an improved, more palatable selection of Oldman saltbush, this is definitely not the case. Oldman saltbush is an open pollinated plant and has been cross breeding in the wild for thousands of years. As a result, Oldman saltbush has an incredibly broad genetic base. In fact, this is a key reason for its exceptional performance and environmental strength. On the palatability issue, our experience over the years has shown that the plant’s palatability is largely a result of the soil types where it has been planted and – more importantly – the actual grazing management practices used. Andrew Sippel in 1989 spent time in South Africa with Gerhard deKock going over his work on oldman saltbush. While there he was also evaluating the earlier South African research work on this plant, and saw the actual first OMSB plantings from 1876. It
