Halimione portulacoides


Halimione portulacoides or sea purslane is a small greyish-green shrub widely distributed in temperate Eurasia and parts of Africa.
A halophyte, it is found in salt marshes and coastal dunes, and is usually flooded at high tide.
The plant grows to 75 cm. It is evergreen, and in northern temperate climates it flowers from July to September. The flowers are monoecious and are pollinated by wind.
The edible leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb. They are thick and succulent with a crunchy texture and a natural saltiness.

Distribution

Halimione portulacoides occurs at the sea shores of western and southern Europe, and from the Mediterranean Sea to western Asia.

Ireland

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Systematics

s include Atriplex portulacoides L. and Obione portulacoides Moq. Recent phylogenetic research revealed, that Halimione is a distinct genus and can not be included in Atriplex.