A perennial succulent that grows on the seashore and mudflats. It is a useful edible plant that grows in saline areas that flood, and is well adapted to coping with high salt levels. The foliage is shiny and knobbly, from green to purple. It is edible and can be pickled, steamed or blanched, and tastes salty and slightly peppery. The stems are woody, so only the leaves should be picked for eating, and the fresh green ones are the best. A source of calcium, iron and vitamin A.
Plant Information
Plant Type - Small shrub, Grass or grass-like
Common Name - Samphire
Scientific Name - Sarcocornia quinqueflora
Family - Chenopodiaceae
Cultivar Name -
Other Common Name -
Minimum Height - 0.2
Maximum Height - 0.5
Minimum Width - 0.2
Maximum Width - 0.5
Flower Colour -
Flowering Time -
pH Level - Acid, Neutral
Soil Type - Sandy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Saline, Poor soil
Plant Environment - Poolside, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Climate Zone - Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean
Light - Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit - Evergreen, Open foliage, Spreading
Life Span - Perennial
Soil Moisture - Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage, Boggy poorly drained
Propagation Method - Softwood cutting, Semihardwood cutting
Frost Tolerance - Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage - Groundcover
Special Uses - Edible, Bog gardens, Pipe and drain friendly, Pollution tolerant
Attracts Wildlife -
Angus Cultivar -