Salicornia

Salicornia, commonly known as glasswort or samphire, is a succulent halophyte thriving in saline coastal environments. Renowned for its salt-tolerance, this resilient plant is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues. Additionally, its unique nutritional profile makes it an emerging superfood in gourmet culinary applications.

  • Scientific name: Salicornia
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Amaranthaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Salicornia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Amaranthaceae WCVP
Genus Salicornia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal environments of Denmark. Additionally, its distribution extends to the northern territories of Finland. The species is also documented within the maritime landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range includes the rugged shorelines of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Salicornia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, oxalate, polyphenols, salt, saponin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxalate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
salt 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Salicornia has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative, Hypoglycemic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypoglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Salicornia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, hypoglycemic.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypoglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆