Samphire, Rock Samphire
Crithmum maritimum
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A perennial herb. It grows 15-45 cm high and wide. It is greyish and without hairs. It is branched. It has divided leaves. The lobes are narrow and fleshy and do not have teeth. The base sheaths the stem. The flowers are yellow. They occur in umbels 30-60 mm across. There are 8-36 rays. The fruit is oblong and 5-6 mm long. It is yellowish. It has thick ridges.
There is only one Crithmum species. It is high in Vitamin C.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in sea cliffs in Britain. It occurs on coastal rocks and can be on sand or shingle. It needs well-drained to dry soil in the sun. It needs a warm sheltered position. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Australia, Azores, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Central America, China,Crete, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, West Indies, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
The salty leaves can be eaten raw in salad. They can also be cooked. They are also pickled in vinegar. The flowers are eaten in salads. The leaves are washed and cut into small pieces and mixed with olive oil and lemon juice to make a salad dressing.
It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, spice
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from ripe seed. Plants can also be grown by division. Seed only remian viable for a short time.
Its other names
Local names
Criste marine, Denizmarulu, Fenoll mari, Finucchje ri mare, Kayakorugu, Kirtamo, Matar, Navadni koprc, Sea Fennel, Yedidalga