Some are xerophytic and resemble cacti. Many are of major economic importance as food plants. These include Atriplex L. spp. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. var. A variety of dermatoses, including allergic contact dermatitis, photodermatitis, and mechanical injury have been reported.
Nothing is known about the nature of the allergens nor the phototoxic principles.
Bassia paradoxa F. Muell. Beetroot, Sugar Beet, Mangold Wurzel Dermatitis in the sugar beet industry affected two thirds of workers employed in the crystallising department. The plant is cultivated in India for fodder and as a pot-herb, and is a ubiquitous weed. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. var. Chenopodium oil, otherwise known as American wormseed oil or Baltimore oil, is extracted from the flowers and fruits of the plant by steam distillation.