Arthrocnemum fruticosum - (L.)Moq.
(L.)Moq.
Glasswort
gbif· cc-by-nc
Tracie McMahon
gbif· cc-by-nc
Tracie McMahon
gbif· cc-by-nc
Tracie McMahon
Description
Arthrocnemum fruticosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: 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 and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Leaves - raw. A brackish taste.
Distribution
S. Europe.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Jordan, Turkey EUROPE: Albania, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Slovenia, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Spain (Canarias), Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. It is likely to require a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Division.
Other Uses
Potash Soap making. The ashes of the plant, and of allied species, yield soda which is used in making soap and glass.
