Egyptian sea blite
Suaeda aegyptiaca

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-50 cm high. The stems are closely packed with bright green leaves. The leaves are narrow and cylinder shaped and they curve upwards. The flowers are small and yellowish-green. They occur in clusters in the axils of the upper leaves. It varies a lot depending on water and soils.

Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

A Mediterranean plant. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils with adequate moisture. It can tolerate highly salty soils. It grows near the seashore. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Yemen

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten raw as salad.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hamd, Hatallus, Rejla, Suweda

Synonyms

Chenopodium aegyptiacum Hasselq.; Suaeda baccata Forsskal;