Shrubby Seablite
Suaeda fruticosa

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Suaeda fruticosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Sandy soils, salty or otherwise, along the coast. Plants do not grow below the line of the spring high tides.

Coasts of Europe, from France and Britain southwards. Central and southwestern Asia, Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A salty flavour. Seed - raw or cooked.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a poultice in the treatment of ophthalmia. When infused in water, they have been used as an emetic.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

The plant is rich in potassium and is often burnt as a source of potash for making soap and glass.

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

How it is grown

Dislikes shade. Succeeds in saline soils and tolerates maritime exposure.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. vera.