Leaves of three Atriplex spp. and Cassia sturtii grown in two different locations in South Africa were analysed for certain nutritive characteristics. Crude protein values ranged from 176 to 234 g/kg DM for the Atriplex spp. and for C. sturtii from 114 to 147 g/kg DM. The in vitro digestible organic matter concentrations for the Atriplex spp. varied from 718 to 773 g/kg DM and for C. sturtii from 529 to 574 g/kg DM. The neutral detergent fibre concentration ranged from 295 to 407 g/kg DM for the Atriplex spp. and for C. sturtii from 223 to 250 g/kg DM. Higher acid detergent lignin concentrations than expected were noted and varied for the Atriplex spp. from 98 to 139 g/kg DM and for C. sturtii from 71 to 75 g/kg DM. Both species proved to have a fair potential as fodder crops for livestock.