alkali heliotrope
ExplorePlants
alkali heliotrope
Heliotropium curassavicum
Alkali heliotrope is a small, colorful plant that loves sunny places! It has pretty purple flowers and can grow in salty soils, making it special in nature.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The alkali heliotrope has fleshy, pale green to grey-green leaves and delicate white or bluish-white flowers arranged in unique coiled spikes. Its low-growing, spreading form and succulent-like foliage help it stand out in salty environments.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyHeliotropiaceaeGenusHeliotropium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each tiny seed from this plant can float on water, helping it spread to new distant coastal homes!
Even though it grows in tough spots, its roots help stabilize sandy soils and prevent erosion!
Its scientific name, Heliotropium, means "turning to the sun," because its flowers often track the sun!
The coiled flower stalks unfurl like a spiral galaxy as new blooms open, a beautiful natural marvel!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Saver
Its fleshy, succulent-like leaves store water, allowing alkali heliotrope to thrive in dry conditions and hot, arid climates.
Ability
Ever-Blooming Beacon
This plant produces flowers continuously over long periods, increasing its chances of attracting pollinators and successful reproduction.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-50 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Its small flowers provide nectar for these important insect visitors.
eaten by
Cabbage Looper
Trichoplusia ni
Its leaves are sometimes consumed by the larvae of this common moth.
eats
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
Small birds sometimes feed on the tiny seeds produced by this plant.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is alkali heliotrope?
10-50 cm
How wide does alkali heliotrope spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on alkali heliotrope?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does alkali heliotrope bloom?
Year-round
Is alkali heliotrope edible?
No
Is alkali heliotrope toxic?
Mild
What is alkali heliotrope's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is alkali heliotrope pollinated?
Insect
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