Rannarätik

Rannarätik, scientifically known as Salsola kali, is a common plant found along coastal areas and sandy habitats. It is an annual herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. The plant is characterized by its low-growing, spreading habit, often forming dense mats. Its leaves are succulent, needle-like, and typically arranged spirally along the stem. The color of the leaves can range from green to reddish-brown, particularly as the plant matures.

The flowers of rannarätik are small and inconspicuous, usually greenish or tinged with red, and grow singly in the leaf axils. After flowering, the plant develops a small, hard fruit containing a single seed. One of the notable features of rannarätik is its ability to produce a woody, often spherical structure after it dies, sometimes referred to as a "tumbleweed." These dried plants break off at the base and are blown by the wind, dispersing their seeds over wide areas.

Rannarätik is adapted to saline and sandy soils, tolerating drought and high salt concentrations. It plays a role in stabilizing sand dunes and preventing erosion in its natural environment. While it can be considered a weed in some agricultural settings due to its ability to spread, it is an integral part of coastal ecosystems. Its presence is indicative of a healthy, though often harsh, coastal environment.