Maritime saltwort
Batis maritima
Family Batidaceae - emergent vegetation
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Emergent vegetation, shrub-like, up to 100 cm (3 1/2 ft) tall, usually less than 30 cm (1 ft); main stem spreading, creeping rooting at some nodes; leaves fleshy, yellowish green, linear or club-shaped, oppositely arranged, sometimes in cluster, leaves attach directly to secondary stem; flowers fleshy, no petals, just a round pod, in axil of leaves, either stalkless or very short stalk; secondary stems (off the main stem) may be branched, succulent or woody. |
Similar Species |
Similar to sea purslane, Sesuvium maritimum, but the purslane usually has reddish stems and purple flowers, and its leaves are usually arranged in clusters, not opposite each other. |
Habitat |
Salt marshes, sand flats, mangrove swamps |
Maximum Size |
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Other Common Names |
turtleweed |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |