salicornia

Salicornia is a genus of succulent, flowering plants in the amaranth family Amaranthaceae, commonly known as glasswort or samphire. They are halophytes adapted to saline environments such as salt marshes, estuaries, and coastal flats. The genus includes several dozen species distributed worldwide, especially in temperate and subtropical coastlines.

These plants are typically annual or perennial herbs with jointed, fingerlike stems. They usually lack true leaves or have very small scale-like leaves; the green, photosynthetic stems perform most of the photosynthesis. Segments are hollow and often swollen, and growth forms range from prostrate mats to low, erect stands.

Salicornia tolerate high salinity and periodic flooding, thriving in salt marshes, tidal flats, salt pans and coastal dunes. They occur in temperate to subtropical regions around the world. The plants store salt in their tissues and have inconspicuous green flowers arranged in dense, spike-like inflorescences; seeds are small and readily dispersed by wind or water. Many species are annual, while others are perennial.

Edible shoots of some species are gathered and eaten fresh or cooked in various cuisines, known as samphire or glasswort; they are often boiled or pickled and used as a garnish. Historically, ashes from Salicornia were used in glassmaking and soap production because of their soda content. The genus comprises about 20 to 40 species, including Salicornia europaea (European glasswort), Salicornia virginica (American samphire), and Salicornia pacifica.

Some marsh habitats decline due to development and pollution, affecting wild populations. In recent decades, Salicornia has been studied for saline agriculture, with some species cultivated under seawater irrigation or in desert agroecosystems as a potential salt-tolerant crop.