Ristsõelise

Ristsõelise, known scientifically as Salsola kali, is a species of annual plant belonging to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It is commonly found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and sandy soils across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The plant is characterized by its rigid, bushy, and often spiny appearance, which gives it a distinctive silhouette. Its leaves are narrow and succulent, adapting it to saline environments.

The plant's common name, "roly-poly," or "tumbleweed," arises from its life cycle. Once mature and dry, the plant detaches from its roots and is blown by the wind across the landscape, dispersing its seeds. This mechanism is a key adaptation for survival in open, windy habitats. Ristsõelise has historically been used for various purposes, including as a source of soda ash for soap and glassmaking. It has also been utilized in traditional medicine in some regions. Despite its widespread distribution and ecological role, it is not typically cultivated but rather thrives in natural, often harsh, conditions.