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Health benefits of Spear Saltbush

Spear Saltbush Quick Facts
Name: Spear Saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex calotheca
Origin Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in arid and desert regions
Colors Start out green but change to brown or a darker color as they grow up
Shapes Small, papery fruit that contain the seeds. Fruits are generally between a few millimetres and centimetres long
Taste Slightly salty, akin to a gentle ocean breeze
Major nutrients • Minerals
• Vitamins
• Antioxidants
• Fiber
• Proteins and Amino Acids
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Electrolytes
Health benefits Heart Health, Digestive Health, Bone Health, Skin Health, Weight Management, Diabetes Management, Cognitive Health, Immune System Support, Eye Health, Metabolic Health, Liver Health, Asthma and Respiratory Health, Hydration and Electrolyte Balance, Allergies and Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Spear Saltbush, also called fat hen or Atriplex recumbent, is a species of flowering plant in the Atriplex genus. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, which also includes pigweed and amaranths. The plant is native to  Macaronesia, Europe, western Siberia, Ethiopia, the Middle East, northern Africa and Central Asia. It has been brought to temperate North America, Australia, South America, New Zealand, Japan, northern Mexico,  Korea, and Primorsky Krai in far eastern Russia. It can grow in saltwater if it wants to. Some of the popular common names of the plant are Spear Saltbush, Native Spear Saltbush, Shrubby Saltbush, Blue Green Saltbush, Coastal Saltbush, Silver Saltbush, Australian Saltbush, Native Saltbush, Spiny Saltbush, Coastal Spear Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush, Old Man Saltbush, Grey Saltbush, Australian Spear Saltbush, Blue Saltbush, Mulga Saltbush, Four Corners Saltbush, Climbing Spear Saltbush, Shrubby Spear Saltbush and Climbing Saltbush.

The name “Atriplex” comes from the Latin word “atriplex,” which was used to describe a plant that could be eaten. Orach plants are linked to the genus Atriplex and are known for having leaves that can be eaten. The word “atriplex” is thought to come from the Latin words “ater,” which means “black,” and “plex,” which means “fold.” This could be because the leaves are dark or because they look folded. Many of the species in the genus Atriplex, which are often called “saltbushes,” have adapted to living in salty settings. The name “calotheca” comes from the Greek language as well. It comes from the Greek words “kalos,” which means “beautiful,” and “thk,” which means “case” or “sheath.” Together, these words describe the way the plant’s flowering structures look. When talking about plants, the word “calotheca” usually means a fruit case or shell that looks nice. This name may be about how the flowering structures of Atriplex calotheca are beautiful or unique.

Spear Saltbush Facts 

Name Spear Saltbush
Scientific Name Atriplex calotheca
Native Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in arid and desert regions
Common Names Spear Saltbush, Australian Saltbush, Shrubby Saltbush, Blue Green Saltbush, Coastal Saltbush, Climbing Saltbush, Native Saltbush, Spiny Saltbush, Old Man Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush, Grey Saltbush, Silver Saltbush, Four Corners Saltbush, Blue Saltbush, Mulga Saltbush, Coastal Spear Saltbush, Climbing Spear Saltbush, Shrubby Spear Saltbush, Australian Spear Saltbush, Native Spear Saltbush, Silver Spear Saltbush, Blue Green Spear Saltbush, Spiny Spear Saltbush, Grey Spear Saltbush, Old Man Spear Saltbush, Creeping Spear Saltbush, Four Corners Spear Saltbush, Blue Spear Saltbush, Mulga Spear Saltbush, Rock Saltbush
Name in Other Languages Arabic: Milh Alramah (ملح الرمح), Nabat al-Milh b-rramih (نبات الملح بالرمح), Nabat Milh Alramah (نبات ملح الرمح), Atriplex al’ashab aleumla (أتريبليكس العشب العملة)
Assamese: Shaṇ Nomok (শাণ নমক)
Bengali: Shakti Lobanbishesh (শক্তি লবণবিশেষ), Shabal Lobonbriksho (শবল লবণবৃক্ষ)
Bodo: Bagas Kham (बागस खाम)
Bulgarian: Kopie Solnishche (Копие Солнище)
Chinese: Máo Yán Lí (矛盐藜), Máoyè Yánzǎo (矛叶盐藻), Yìngbì lì (硬币藜),  Ji ye bin li (戟叶滨藜)
Czech: Ostružiník Ostrolistý, Lebeda hrálovitá, Lebeda střelovitá
Danish: Spyd Saltbusk, Skønbægret mælde
Dogri: Bhaalu Namkeen (भालू नमकीन)
Dutch: Speer Zoutstruik, Muntschijfmelde
English: Fat hen, Hastate orache, halberd leaf orache, halberdleaf orach              
Estonian: Noollehine malts         
Filipino: Panaksang Asin
Finnish: Keihäs Suolapensas, Liuskamaltsa, Nuolimaltsa
French: Buisson de Sel à Lance, Atriplex en pièces de monnaie, Arroche hastée
Garo: Rongdikbong Angap
German: Lanzen-Salzkraut, Lanzen-Salzbusch, Münzen-Gänsefuß, Pfeilblättrige Melde, Schönfrüchtige Melde
Greek: Dóry Almyrófuto (Δόρυ Αλμυρόφυτο), Atríplex nomismatódentro (Ατρίπλεξ νομισματόδεντρο), Akónisto Aláti-thámnos (Ακόνιστο Αλάτι-θάμνος)
Gujarati: Bhaalu Mithu (ભાલું મીઠું)
Hebrew: Melach HaRama (מלח הרמה)
Hindi: Bada Namkeen Bush (बड़ा नमकीन बुश), Kondal Namkeen (कोंडल नमकीन), Spayar Soltbush (स्पियर सॉल्टबुश), Kaundal Namkeen (कौंडल नमकीन), Bhaala Namkeen (भाला नमकीन)
Hungarian: Lándzsa Sóvirág
Indonesian: Suaeda Panah Garam
Italian: Salicornia a lancia, Atriplice delle monete
Japanese: Supia Sorutobusshu (スピアソルトブッシュ), Yari shio mo (やり塩藻 ), Koin atsureki (コインアツレキ),   Ho kogata akaza (ホコガタアカザ)
Kashmiri: Bhaalu Namkeen (بھالو نمکین)
Kannada: Billu Uppu Soppu (ಬಿಲ್ಲು ಉಪ್ಪು ಸೊಪ್ಪು)
Khasi: Ksing Wah Onh
Kokborok: Rokṭhangkwi Lwkhuk (রোক্ত্তংকুই ল্বখুক)
Konkani: Bhaalaa Meet (भालं मीठ)
Korean: Chang Soltbusi (창솔트부시), Chang Yeomcho (창염초), Dongjeon yeoblokgcho (동전 엽록초), Changnip Soida (창잎 소이다), chang myeong aju (창명아)      
Latin: Atriplex nummularia
Latvian: Skaistauglu balodene
Lithuanian: Strėlialapė balandūnė
Maithili: Bhaala Namkin (भाला नमकिन)
Malayalam: Val Uppu Paccha (വല ഉപ്പ് പച്ച), Uppu Tottutti (ഉപ്പുതൊട്ടുത്തി)
Manipuri: Khudak Ngangkha (ꯃꯣꯡ ꯀꯥꯃꯔꯦꯟꯕ)
Marathi: Bhaala Meeth (भाला मीठ)
Meitei: Khut Ningol (ꯃꯥꯔꯨ ꯂꯧꯊꯧꯛ)
Mizo: Phalai Ṭlung
Nepali: Killa Namkeen (किल्ला नम्कीन), Baan Namkin (बाण नम्किन)
Norwegian: Spyd Saltbusk, Flikmelde
Odia: Baan Looṇa Gachha (ବାଣ ଲୁଣ ଗଛ)
Polish: Słonka Ostrolistna, Loboda zdobna
Portuguese: Arbusto de Sal Lança, Atriplex das moedas
Punjabi: Bhaalu Namkeen (ਭਾਲੂ ਨਮਕੀਨ)
Romanian: Sărmăluță de Săbie
Russian: Kop’ye Solonchaka (Копье Солончака), Solonchak Kop’yevydnyy (Солончак Копьевидный), Monetchataya pyreynitsa (Монетчатая пырейница), Kop’yeobraznaya solyanka (Копьеобразная солянка), lebeda krasivoplodnaya (лебеда красивоплодная)
Santali: Ujuṇ Gochhanṭi (ᱢᱮᱥᱟᱣ ᱨᱟᱥᱚᱛᱟᱲᱤ)
Sindhi: Bhaalu Namkin (بھالو نمڪين)
Spanish: Espada Saltbush, Arbusto de Sal Espada, Atriplex moneda
Swahili: Bungu la Chumvi la Mkuki
Swedish: Spjut Saltbuske, Flikmålla, Liuskamaltsa
Tamil: Val Uppu Puchchai (வல் உப்பு புச்சை)
Telugu: Spear Saltbush (స్పియర్ సాల్ట్‌బుష్)
Thai: Phụ̄ch Khlụ̄a H̄æ̂ng H̄æ̂ng (พืชเกลือแห้งแห้ง), Sebpise Saelta Bush (สปีร์เซลท์บุช)
Turkish: Mızrak Tuzotu, Madeni Para Tuzluğu
Ukrainian: Ostrolysta sueyeda (Остролиста суєда)
Upper Sorbian: Šipkojta łoboda
Urdu: Bhaalu Namkeen (بھالو نمکین)
Vietnamese: Cây Muối Gai Góc Nhọn, Cỏ Muối Đầu Gai
Plant Growth Habit Low-growing perennial shrub
Growing Climates Thrives in arid and desert regions, often found in dry landscapes, washes, canyons, rocky soils, other dry landscapes and washes in desert regions
Soil Grows best in sandy or loamy soils that drain well. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it tends to avoid ones that are too heavy or too wet
Plant Size 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm)
Root The main root that grows straight down into the dirt is called the taproot. The main lateral roots spread out horizontally from the taproot. From the taproot, these lateral roots grow in different directions and levels to form a network that looks for water and food in the soil
Stem Stem grows straight up, and the branches grow straight up from the base
Bark Depending on how old the tree is, the bark can be either grey or brown. Younger stems may have bark that is smoother and lighter in color, while bark on older stems is usually darker and rougher
Leaf Leaves are small and look like scales. They are arranged in pairs along the stems. They are simple leaves, which mean they only have one blade and are not split up into lobes. Most of the time, the leaves are between 5 and 20 millimetres long. The color of the leaves can vary from silvery to grayish-green.
Flowering season
  • September to November in the Southern Hemisphere
  • March to June in the Northern Hemisphere
Flower Plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not particularly showy. These flowers are clustered on spikes and appear from spring to early summer.
Fruit Shape & Size Plant produces small, papery fruit that contain the seeds. Fruits are generally between a few millimetres and centimetres long. These fruits are often referred to as “bracts” and are dispersed by wind
Fruit Color Start out green but change to brown or a darker color as they grow up
Seed Seeds are small and flattened, usually in the shape of a lens or an oval. Most of the time, they are between 1 and 1.5 millimetres long
Flavor/Aroma Unique and intriguing blend of earthy and herbal notes
Taste Slightly salty, akin to a gentle ocean breeze
Plant Parts Used Leaves, Stems, Seeds, Whole plant
Propagation By seeds, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, Division, Layering
Lifespan Around 5 to 10 years
Season
  • Atriplex calotheca var. calotheca
  • Atriplex calotheca var. nummularia
  • Atriplex calotheca var. angulata
  • Atriplex calotheca var. pilosa
  • Atriplex calotheca var. acutibractea
  • Atriplex calotheca var. patula
  • Atriplex calotheca var. latifolia
  • Atriplex calotheca var. microphylla
  • Atriplex calotheca var. penduliflora
  • Atriplex calotheca var. prostrata
  • Atriplex calotheca var. glabrescens
  • Atriplex calotheca var. brachystachys
Season
  • December to April in the Southern Hemisphere
  • June to October in the Northern Hemisphere
Major Nutrition
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
  • Antioxidants
  • Fiber
  • Proteins and Amino Acids
  • Essential Fatty Acids
  • Electrolytes
Health Benefits
  • Nutritional Content
  • Antioxidant Properties
  • Heart Health
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Digestive Health
  • Bone Health
  • Skin Health
  • Weight Management
  • Diabetes Management
  • Cognitive Health
  • Immune System Support
  • Eye Health
  • Metabolic Health
  • Liver Health
  • Asthma and Respiratory Health
  • Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
  • Antimicrobial Properties
  • Anti-Anxiety Effects
  • Allergies and Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Availabale Forms
  • Infusions and Teas
  • Topical Preparations
  • Inhalations
  • Tinctures and Extracts
  • Capsules or Tablets
  • Powders
  • Essential Oil
  • Herbal Combinations

Plant Description

Spear Saltbush is a low-growing annual shrub that grows about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall. The plant grows in dry and desert areas. It is often found in washes, gorges, rocky soils, and other dry and desert areas with washes. Spear Saltbush grows best in sandy or loamy soils that drain well. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it tends to avoid ones that are too heavy or too wet. One thing that makes it stand out is that it can grow in dirt that has a lot of salt in it. This makes Spear Saltbush a good choice for places with salty soils, like along the coast, where salt can hurt many other plants. Due to the way its roots grow, the plant is very important to the environment because it keeps sandy grounds stable and stops them from washing away. It also gives animals a place to live and food to eat, especially insects and small mammals.

Atriplex calotheca is sometimes used in xeriscaping, which is a way of landscaping that saves water in dry areas and makes use of the plant’s unique silvery leaves. The leaves of Atriplex calotheca are golden because they live in a dry area. The hairs on the leaves reflect sunshine and stop water from evaporating, which lets the plant live in places with little water.

Appropriate growing environments of Spear Saltbush

Spear Saltbush thrives in specific growing environments that match its natural habitat and adaptive characteristics. Here are the appropriate growing conditions for Spear Saltbush:

Roots

The main root structure of a spear saltbush is a taproot. The main root that grows straight down into the dirt is called the taproot. The main lateral roots spread out horizontally from the taproot. From the taproot, these lateral roots grow in different directions and levels to form a network that looks for water and food in the soil. There are also secondary and tertiary lateral roots that come from the main lateral roots. Fine root hairs grow at the ends of the side roots. These tiny structures make a lot more surface area available for taking in water and nutrients. The water, minerals, and nutrients in the soil solution are taken up by the plant through its root hairs. Spear Saltbush can have a very thick root system, especially in the top soil layers. This mass helps to stabilize the soil, stop erosion, and improve the structure of the soil.

Stem

Spear Saltbush is a woody shrub with a stem that stays stiff and woody even when the plant is dormant. The plant’s structure is helped by the fact that it has thorny parts. The stem grows straight up, and the branches grow straight up from the base. The form and size of the stem as a whole can change with age, weather, pruning, and other things. The bark, which is the outside layer of the stem, protects the inner organs. Older stems’ bark can get rough and textured over time, which helps protect them from outside threats. Lenticels are small, raised bumps on the surface of the stem that allow the plant and the air around it to share gases.

Bark

Spear Saltbush has bark on the outside of its stem, branches, and older growth. It acts as a barrier against physical damage, stress from the surroundings, and possible pests. The texture and look of the bark can change depending on things like how old the tree is, how the surroundings is, and how fast it grows. When a stem gets older, its bark often gets rougher and has more structure. Depending on how old the tree is, the bark can be either grey or brown. Younger stems may have bark that is smoother and lighter in color, while bark on older stems is usually darker and rougher. Lenticels are tiny bumps or holes on the bark’s surface. These holes allow the plant’s internal tissues and the air around it to swap gases.

Leaves

The leaves are small and look like scales. They are arranged in pairs along the stems. They are simple leaves, which mean they only have one blade and are not split up into lobes. Most of the time, the leaves are between 5 and 20 millimetres long. This small size helps to stop water from escaping through the leaves as they breathe. The leaves can be a few different shapes, but most of the time they are oval or round. This shape helps to reduce the amount of surface area that is exposed to sunshine. This helps to keep water from evaporating. Often, the leaves have a silvery-gray or bluish-gray color to them. This color comes from tiny hairs or scales on the surface of the leaf. These hairs or scales reflect sunshine and help the leaf and plant stay cooler by letting less heat in. Fine hairs or scales called trichomes cover the surface of the leaf. These trichomes are very important for stopping water loss because they make a layer of still air around the leaf. This slows the rate of water loss. The cuticle, which is a sticky layer on the surface of Spear Saltbush leaves, is pretty thick. This cuticle keeps water from escaping through evaporation by acting as a shield.

Flowers

The flowers are small and not very noticeable. They grow in groups called spikes. These spikes are long structures that hold several small flowers close to each other. Each flower is usually less than 1 centimetre in diameter. Most of the time, they are green or brown. The flowers aren’t very pretty because the plant puts more effort into making changes that help it survive in dry conditions than into making bright colors to draw pollinators. The flowers are unisexual, which means that each plant only makes one type of flower. This can happen on the same plant (called monoecious) or on two different plants (called dioecious). This change makes it less likely that the plant will pollinate itself, which increases genetic variety.

The male flowers, also called staminate flowers, have pollen-making parts called stamens. Each stamen has an anther and a thread. The anther is where the pollen is stored. Pollen is released into the air. Since the plant lives in a dry place, wind is the main way it gets pollinated. The ovules live in the carpels of the female flowers, which are called pistillate flowers. There is an ovary, a style, and a stigma on each carpel. Most of the time, the stigma is feathery, which helps it catch pollen grains that are moved by the wind.

Fruits

The fruits are usually small, dry, and only have one seed. They are called achenes, which are simple fruits that don’t split open when they’re fully grown. Instead, the single seed stays stuck to the wall of the fruit. The fruits are generally between a few millimeters and centimetres long. Their shapes can be a bit different, but most of the time they are flat or oval. Each fruit has one seed, which is connected to the wall of the fruit, usually near the bottom. This connection helps the seeds get far away from the parent plant by letting the wind or other things carry them. The color of the fruit can change based on how old it is. They may start out green but change to brown or a darker color as they grow up. The change in color is often a sign that the fruit is ready to drop its seeds.

Seeds

The seeds are small and flattened, usually in the shape of a lens or an oval. Most of the time, they are between 1 and 1.5 millimeters long. The seed coat or testa is the outside layer of a seed. It is thin but strong enough to protect the egg inside from things like drying out and getting hurt. Seed coats can be different colors, but they are usually dark, tan, or black. The hilum is a small scar on the seed coat that shows where the seed was connected to the plant while it was growing. This mark shows where the seed was attached to the part that made the fruit.

Varieties of Spear Saltbush

Spear Saltbush is a plant species that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. This species is native to Australia and is well-known for its ability to thrive in arid and saline environments. Some of the varieties of Spear Saltbush include:

Health benefits of Spear Saltbush

Spear Saltbush is a plant native to Australia. It has been used traditionally by Indigenous communities for various purposes, and it’s also gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Here are some of the reported health benefits of Spear Saltbush:

1. Nutritional Content

Spear Saltbush is a plant that is full of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. It has the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, which help keep cells from getting damaged. The immune system, skin, and eyes are also helped by these vitamins. Minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium are also found in the plant. These minerals are important for many body functions, such as making energy, keeping muscles working, and keeping electrolyte balance.

2. Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants are chemicals that stop free radicals from doing harm. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to aging and disease. Spear Saltbush has antioxidants like vitamin E, which help neutralize free radicals and may lower the chance of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

3. Heart Health

The amount of potassium in Spear Saltbush is a big deal. Potassium is a mineral that works against the effects of sodium to help keep blood pressure in check. A meal high in potassium can help lower blood pressure, making heart disease and stroke less likely. Also, the plant may help keep your heart healthy by helping you control your cholesterol levels.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, among other health problems. Some of the chemicals in Spear Saltbush, like flavonoids and polyphenols, have been shown in early tests to help reduce inflammation. By lowering inflammation, these compounds may help keep the body healthy and avoid disease.

5. Digestive Health

Spear Saltbush has a lot of dietary fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy by keeping your bowels moving regularly and avoiding constipation. Fiber is also a prebiotic, which means it feeds the good bugs in your gut. A good micro biome in the gut is linked to better digestion, better immune function, and even better control of mood.

6. Bone Health

Spear Saltbush has calcium and magnesium, which can be good for bone health. Calcium is important for keeping bones and teeth strong, and magnesium helps keep bones strong and healthy. Spear Saltbush and other foods that are high in calcium and magnesium can help keep your bones and joints healthy.

7. Skin Health

Antioxidants in Spear Saltbush, like vitamin E, can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution in the air. These antioxidants help keep your skin looking healthy and may help reduce the signs of age.

8. Weight Management

Spear Saltbush is low in calories and has fiber; two things that can help you keep your weight in check. Fiber makes food more filling, which makes it less likely that someone will eat too much. Spear Saltbush is also low in calories, which can help people who are trying to keep or lose weight.

9. Diabetes Management

Some early research shows that some compounds in spear saltbush might help control blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels might be easier to control with the help of these chemicals, but more research is needed to prove this for sure.

10. Cognitive Health

Some of the chemicals in Spear Saltbush, like flavonoids and antioxidants, may protect the nerve cells. These compounds can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This could help keep our brains healthy and lower the chance of cognitive decline as we get older.

11. Immune System Support

Spear Saltbush has a lot of important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and antioxidants that help keep the immune system strong. Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system because it helps the body make more white blood cells and antibodies, which fight off diseases.

12. Eye Health

The high amount of vitamin A in the plant, which comes from beta-carotene, is important for good vision and general eye health. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. It is known to help avoid age-related macular degeneration and improve night vision.

13. Metabolic Health

Spear Saltbush is good for digestive health because it has nutrients and may help control blood sugar levels. A healthy metabolism is important for keeping a healthy weight, making sure you have enough energy, and avoiding metabolic diseases like diabetes.

14. Liver Health

Some chemicals in plants, like those in Spear Saltbush, may help keep the liver healthy by helping the body get rid of toxins and lowering oxidative stress. For digestion, metabolism, and getting rid of toxins, you need a strong liver.

15. Asthma and Respiratory Health

Spear Saltbush has been used for a long time to treat problems with the lungs. Even though more study needs to be done; the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties could help with lung function and asthma symptoms.

16. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Spear Saltbush has changed so that it can live in dry places and has ways to save water. Spear Saltbush and other naturally salty foods can help the body stay hydrated and keep the right mix of electrolytes.

17. Antimicrobial Properties

Early study shows that some extracts from the Spear Saltbush can kill bacteria and other germs. These qualities may help stop bad bacteria from growing and help keep your mouth healthy.

18. Anti-Anxiety Effects

Spear Saltbush has been used to calm and relax people in Indigenous cultures for a long time. Even though more research needs to be done, it’s possible that some compounds in the plant could help with mild nervousness.

19. Allergies and Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Spear Saltbush has been used for a long time to treat skin problems like eczema and allergic responses. Because the plant is anti-inflammatory, it may help with some skin problems that cause inflammation.

List of culinary uses of Spear Saltbush

Spear Saltbush has a long history of culinary use, especially in Indigenous Australian cuisines. Here is a list of culinary uses for Spear Saltbush:

Different uses of Spear Saltbush

Here are different uses of Spear Saltbush

Side effects of Spear Saltbush

While Spear Saltbush is generally considered safe for consumption and has been traditionally used by Indigenous communities, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects or considerations:

 

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