a genus of plants of the family Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot). There is a single species, H. caspica. A branching shrub reaching 2 m tall (rarely 3.5 m), the plant has segmented opposite branches. The opposite leaves are connate at the base and have rudimentary blades. The bisexual flowers are embedded in groups of three in the fleshy axes of spicate inflorescences. The perianth is connate, and its parts, which cover the fruit, are greatly enlarged. The plant grows in the southeastern European USSR, the Caucasus, Southwest Asia, Middle Asia, and Central Asia. It forms a thick cover, mainly on wet solonchaks and along seacoasts. The plant is used as fodder for camels and sheep in autumn and winter. It is also used as fuel and as an insecticide. The ashes contain potash.