Higher classification Halimione | Subfamily Chenopodioideae Scientific name Halimione portulacoides Rank Species | |
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Similar Halimione, Puccinellia maritima, Tripolium pannonicum, Suaeda, Mediterranean sea lavender | ||
Halimione portulacoides en puerto sagunto
Halimione portulacoides or sea purslane (2n=36) is a small greyish-green shrub widely distributed in temperate Eurasia and parts of Africa.
Contents
A halophyte, it is found in salt marshes and coastal dunes, and is usually flooded at high tide.
The plant grows to 75 cm. It is evergreen, and in northern temperate climates it flowers from July to September. The flowers are monoecious and are pollinated by wind.
The edible leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb. They are thick and succulent with a crunchy texture and a natural saltiness.
Distribution
Halimione portulacoides occurs at the sea shores of western and southern Europe, and from the Mediterranean Sea to western Asia.
Ireland
Copeland Islands (Co. Down).
Systematics
Botanical synonyms include Atriplex portulacoides L. and Obione portulacoides (L.) Moq. Recent phylogenetic research revealed, that Halimione is a distinct genus and can not be included in Atriplex.
