rock samphire
ExplorePlants
rock samphire
Crithmum maritimum
Rock samphire is a tasty green plant that grows by the sea. It has crunchy leaves and a salty flavor, making it a fun snack for adventurous eaters!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The rock samphire has succulent, fleshy, blue-green leaves resembling finely-cut dill or fennel, which makes it distinct. It grows in dense clumps, producing umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny yellowish-green flowers, contrasting with its cool-toned foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusCrithmum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient sailors packed it for voyages to avoid sickness on long journeys!
Even its seeds are super travelers – they can float on ocean currents to find new homes!
Its 'samphire' name might come from Saint Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen!
Some people call it 'sea fennel' because it tastes a bit like fennel, but it's not related!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Guardian
Rock samphire can thrive in salty sea spray and soil, an amazing adaptation that helps it survive harsh coastal environments.
Ability
Rocky Anchor
This plant has strong, deep roots that help it cling securely to narrow cracks in rocks, defending against strong winds and waves.
Ability
Water Pocket
Rock samphire has fleshy leaves, which allows it to store precious fresh water, helping it survive dry spells on exposed cliffs.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-50 cm
- Spread
- 10-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Helps spread its pollen between plants.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
eats
Human
Homo sapiens
Harvested by people for culinary use.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
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 check with an adult before trying new plants to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is rock samphire?
10-50 cm
How wide does rock samphire spread?
10-40 cm
How big are the flowers on rock samphire?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does rock samphire bloom?
Summer
Is rock samphire edible?
Yes
Is rock samphire toxic?
None
What is rock samphire's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is rock samphire pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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