- Close-up of annual seablite, Ecomare, Syske Dijksen
Goosefoot family
Goosefoot family species often have leaves that resemble goose feet. Many of the plants are not very spectacular in appearance and are regularly seen as weeds. However, it is a family that deserves respect, having adapted to the most extreme conditions, such as deserts and coasts. Those species that grow in the Netherlands are generally annuals. Unlike most annuals, which don't spend too much energy on their roots since they only live for one year, the roots of goosefoot species have a strongly developed network. Just like desert plants, they have adapted to soils where freshwater is scarce. The leaves are succulent-like or hairy and sometimes very narrow. Cultivated members of the goosefoot family are spinach and sugar beet.
- Tumbleweed
- Glasswort, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Many goosefoot species have a unique way of spreading their seeds: the dried plant breaks off by the ground and lets the wind blow it over the surface. As it rolls away, the seeds are scattered along the route. In order to tumble, the plant must be ball-shaped and grow on open plains. These tumbleweeds are also called steppe rollers, since plants on the steppes also tend to spread their seeds in this manner.
See also
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