Chicken Claws
Salicornia quinqueflora

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Salicornia quinqueflora is a . The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Coastal rock platforms and rock crevices in New Zealand. Salt flats high in the intertidal area in Australia.

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria. New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - raw or cooked. A salty taste. Used mainly as a pickle. Each stem has a fibrous woody core that makes the plant much less appealing as a vegetable or pickle.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The ashes obtained from burning this plant are rich in potash and are used in making soap or glass]. The ashes can also be used as a soap for cleaning fabrics.

Cleanser: For various materials. Perhaps best included under separate headings.

Potash: Used for making glass, soap and as a fertilizer.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is unlikely succeed outdoors in any but the mildest parts of the country. The plants native habitat will give some idea of its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in spring, in a greenhouse in a light sandy compost. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division might be possible in the spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit:

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. australis. Sol. Sarcocornia quinqueflora.