Shrubby Sea-blite

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Shrubby Sea-blite
• Shrubby Seablite
• Alkali Seepweed
• Shrubby Seablight

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Salsola vera
• Suaeda vesceritensis
• Salsola anonyma
• Suaeda vera subsp. longifolia
• Suaeda fruticosa subsp. vera
• Suaeda laxifolia
• Suaeda longifolia
• Suaeda anonyma
• Schoberia vera
• Salsola fruticosa
• Chenopodina vera
• Chenopodium fruticosum
• Lerchia maritima var. fruticosa
• Cochliospermum fruticosum
• Suaeda fruticosa var. longifolia
• Suaeda fruticosa var. purpurascens
• Salsola farinosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Suaeda vera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the family Amaranthaceae and the genus Suaeda.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also found growing in Germany. Its range extends significantly into Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits the Baleares and Corse. Additionally, the plant is widely distributed throughout the coastal areas of France.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Suaeda vera is characterized by its adaptation to low-lying, coastal, or saline environments, typically occupying habitats where soil salinity is a defining factor. It thrives within a specific altitudinal gradient, maintaining an elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 100 m AMSL. This distribution indicates a preference for sea-level habitats, such as salt marshes, mudflats, or coastal depressions, where it can withstand high concentrations of salt and periodic waterlogging. The plant's ability to persist in these low-elevation zones makes it a specialized component of halophytic ecosystems, where it plays a role in stabilizing saline substrates and contributing to the unique nutrient cycling of coastal landscapes.

Elevational range max:

100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Suaeda vera is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Regarding its structural growth habits and survival strategies, the plant exhibits a life form categorized as a nanophanerophyte, though it can also be identified within the broader framework of phanerophytes depending on the specific environmental context and growth stage. This combination of traits enables the plant to adapt to its specific ecological niche, maintaining its presence in the habitat through its perennial nature and distinctive architectural form.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Suaeda vera is characterized by a growth form that can be classified as both a shrub and a subshrub, exhibiting a woody nature. It is a self-supporting, independent plant that does not function as a climber or a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or epiphytic. The plant features an erect shoot orientation, with shoot lengths ranging from a minimum of 10 cm to a maximum of 80 cm. On average, the plant reaches a height of approximately 0.6 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.6 m

Shoot length max:

80 cm

Shoot length min:

10 cm

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Suaeda vera is characterized by its specialized leaf morphology and specific metabolic processes adapted to its environment. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway to convert light energy into chemical energy. Its foliage is defined by a distinct linear leaf form, which is highly specialized for efficiency. The leaf dimensions vary significantly, with a minimum leaf length of 0.3 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 1.5 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width is quite narrow, ranging from a minimum of 0.05 cm to a maximum of 0.15 cm, reflecting its structural adaptations.

Leaf form :

linear

Leaf length max:

1.5 cm

Leaf length min:

0.3 cm

Leaf width max:

0.15 cm

Leaf width min:

0.05 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Suaeda vera is characterized by a prolonged flowering period that typically begins in March and extends through October, though the timing remains variable throughout the year. The plant produces small, white flowers that measure between 0.08 cm and 0.12 cm in length, with a width ranging from a minimum of 0.08 cm to a maximum of 0.1 cm. Following successful pollination, the plant produces minute seeds with a maximum length of 1.1 mm and a maximum width of 1 mm. The seed mass is exceptionally fine, with a mean weight of 0.000325 g, falling within a narrow range between a minimum of 0.00032 g and a maximum of 0.00033 g.

Flower colour :

white

Flower length max:

0.12 cm

Flower length min:

0.08 cm

Flower width max:

0.1 cm

Flower width min:

0.08 cm

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Oct

Seed length max:

1.1 mm

Seed mass max:

0.00033 g

Seed mass mean:

0.000325 g

Seed mass min:

0.00032 g

Seed width max:

1 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Suaeda vera has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-Heptacosanol, Phytol, THYMOL, farnesol, n-Hexadecanoic acid.

1-Heptacosanol

1. Inflammopharmacology

Phytol

1. Inflammopharmacology

THYMOL

1. Inflammopharmacology

farnesol

1. Inflammopharmacology

n-Hexadecanoic acid

1. Inflammopharmacology

Activities

Suaeda vera has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Analgesic

1. Inflammopharmacology

Preparations

Suaeda vera has 7 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Juice, Suaeda fruticosa aqueous extract, Suaeda fruticosa extract, aqueous extract, decoction of leaves.

Juice

1. Inflammopharmacology

Suaeda fruticosa aqueous extract

1. Therapie

Suaeda fruticosa extract

1. Therapie

Aqueous extract

1. Therapie

Decoction of leaves

1. Inflammopharmacology

Infusion

1. Therapie

Methanol extracts

1. Natural product research