The Chenopodiaceae is an important family in any dry, arid region, whether it be Utah, Australia, the Asian steppes, or the South African Karroo. Among the various families of the Caryophyllidae, it has the largest number of alkaline-tolerant species. Most of them are, to be candid, not particularly attractive, but being attractive to humans has not been important in determining survival in the past. Most members of the family are perennial herbs or shrubs, but there are some annuals and a few trees. We have some annuals but no trees.
Typical members have deep roots and small, mealy or hair-covered alternate leaves.
A few genera, e.g. Salicornia and Allenrolfea, have jointed, fleshy stems with no leaves. Both C 3 and C 4 photosynthesis occurs in the family and is sometimes the most reliable means of distinguishing species in Atriplex, our largest genus of Chenopodiaceae. No, this does not require running chemical tests, merely knowing what to look for in leaves. The flowers of the Chenopodiaceae are usually inconspicuous, radially symmetric, and frequently unisexual. As the fruit matures, it may become more conspicuous as it develops elaborations that facilitate seed dispersal.