The effects of different levels of salinity on seed germination, plant growth and chemical composition of Atriplex rhagodioides F. Muell were studied in gravel culture experiments. Increased biomass yields were obtained in saline treatments up to electrical conductivity (EC) 15 mScm −1. With further increase in salinity, growth was adversely affected. However, the plants could survive at a salinity level as high as 50 mScm −1. Na and Cl contents in plant parts increased, and K and Ca contents decreased with increasing culture solution salinity. All plant parts (root, stem and leaf) contained higher K/Na ratios than the culture solution, indicating selectivity for K (or against Na) uptake. K/Na ratios decreased from roots to stems to leaves, indicating selectivity in the uptake and transport of these ions between different plant parts. Accumulation of ions against a concentration gradient, selective K uptake, and partitioning of excess salts in the leaf seem attributable to the high salt tolerance of the species.