Salicornia
size:
saltwort: 2 to 40 centimeters
glasswort: 5 to 30 centimeters
color:
flower: yellow
plant: dull green
blossoms:
July through October
pollination:
self and cross-pollination,via wind and insects
reproduction:
seed spread by wind or water
life span:
annual
- Dut: Zeekraal, langarige en kortarige
- Lat: Salicornia procumbens, Salicornia europaea
- Eng: Salicornia, Saltwort (long-spiked) and Glasswort (short-spiked); Marsh Samphire, Pickleweed, Chicken-claws
- Fren: Salicorne; Passepierre
- Ger: Sandwatt-Queller (Langähriger) und Queller (Kurzähriger)
- Dan: Salturt
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- Salicornia, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Salicornia
A distinguishable halophyte, salicornia is the pioneer plant of salt marsh vegetation. It grows on muddy stretches which flood during high tide. Salicornia growth enhances mud deposition and thereby helps the marsh to grow higher and dryer. Because of its salt tolerance and its tastiness, it is also cultivated as a silty sea vegetable on land where there is salty seepage. Although it grows well in saline environments, it will only germinate with the help of fresh rainwater. Two practically identical species are found in the Netherlands, saltwort and glasswort.
Op Texel
- In de Slufter, Ecomare, Oscar Bos
Both saltwort and glasswort are common in the lower parts of the Slufter valley. They are also found along the Mok Bay and on the Schorren salt marsh. Salicornia is not cultivated anywhere on the island for commercial harvesting. There is a farmer by the Hoornder Nieuwland who tried, however it wasn't profitable and has since stopped.
- Halophyte
- Salicornia on Texel, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Being a halophyte not only means it tolerates salt water, it won't even grow without salt in the soil. Its roots take up seawater, storing the salt in its leaves. However, there is a limit. Too much salt disrupts growth. In order to extend its life, it reduces the salt intake as much as possible by using as little water as necessary.
Salicornia leaves have a thick skin and a limited surface area, which counteract evaporation. Furthermore, an oxygen layer forms around its roots making it difficult for harmful metals and too much salt to penetrate the plant. The excess salt is stored in the oldest (lowest) leaves as much as possible, which eventually die off. The saturated leaves turn yellow or even red while the top of the plant can still have a healthy green color. Annual seablite displays this same adaptation.
- Two subspecies
- Saltwort, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
There are many subspecies of salicornia. Two of them are found in the Netherlands. Glasswort, or short-spiked salicornia, is found mostly on silty terrains inland of the dikes. It also grows on the seaside of the dikes, but not in the very muddy areas. Saltwort, or long-spiked salicornia, grows primarily in the muddier tidal zone.
Long-spiked salicornia is threatened by cord-grass, whose underground offshoots crowd out those of the salicornia. In the 20th century, cord-grass was intentionally planted to accelerate the growth process of marshes. In the meantime, it has become a pest. - Various names
- Salicornia, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Salicornia has many different names, which often refer to its various usage. The name salicornia comes from its Latin name, meaning salty. Glasswort comes from the days when the ashes were used as a source of soda ash for making glass and soap.
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