I am particularly hardy and thrive in even the poorest soils and dry conditions. I have a very high tolerance for salty soils and can reduce soil salinity with the right planting regime.

I am edible, either cooked or raw, with a slightly sour and salty taste making me an excellent addition to a range of dishes. I have been a staple in many cuisines over millennia including in Australia by indigenous peoples and early settlers. My seeds can be gound into flour. I am a common stock feed in some countries.

As a dense groundcover I am a good choice for pots, hanging baskets and other container planting. I am sufficiently dense that I outperform many weeds and can be used as a living mulch making me useful in a number of garden styles.