Annual Sea Blite, Indian saltwort
Suaeda maritima

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A low shrubby herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 7-50 cm high. It is branched from the base. The leaves are succulent and narrow. They are alternate. They can be green, red or purple. The flowers are small. They are green and occur in clusters.

Chemical composition (after Hooper): Water = 83.70% (fresh). Fat = 2.58% (dry). Albumenoids = 11.10% (dry). Carbohydrates = 38.80% (dry). Fibre = 10.17% (dry). Ash = 18.13% (dry). Nitrogen = 1.77% (dry). Phosphoric acid = .55% (dry). Silicates = 1.89% (dry). Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows on salt flats near the sea. It can be used to reclaim salty land. It also grows in the tropics in Java. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Ireland, Korea, Mediterranean, SE Asia, Tasmania, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The shoots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable in times of scarcity. The are cooked and used as a pot herb. The salty leaves can be added to other foods to season them. Young shoots are pickled in vinegar.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, flower

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Alur, Geria, Haehongnamul, Ilakoora, Kayey-kaseeray-keray, Khari lani, Kodee-kasseray-kura, Kodee kasseery kura, Koyey kasseray keeray, Lana lani, Lani, Lano, Moras, Nariumari, Phidiep bien, Ravakada, Uppukeerai, Vellakeerai, Vellakora, Yella keeray, Yella kura

Synonyms

Suaeda diffusa Willd.; Suaeda nudiflora Moq.; Salsola indica Willd.;