We believe this little succulent plant, found not far from our home near the edge of a mixed marsh-black mangrove stand on the Cedar Keys, to be saltwort. Like glasswort, it is adapted for an environment in which fresh water is a rare, but essential commodity. There are two wetland plants called "saltwort," but this one (Batis maritima) is easily distinguished from the other (Salsola kali), which is a prickly plant frequently referred to as Russian thistle. (See my comment below).
The observation platform is frequently awash
Our recent visit coincided with a new moon and very low tide, making it appear that getting our feet only a bit wet we could walk from Cemetery Point on Way Key all the way to Haven Island, or from Sandspit Point all the way to Atsena Otie.
Now I'm not sure about the plant I photographed and identified as saltwort. It may instead be Silverhead (Philoxerus vermicularis). Stay tuned. Other photos clearly show flowers and these are clearly not saltwort.
Now I'm not sure about the plant I photographed and identified as saltwort. It may instead be Silverhead (Philoxerus vermicularis). Stay tuned. Other photos clearly show flowers and these are clearly not saltwort.
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