Batis maritima L.

Saltwort, turtleweed, beachwort, pickleweed, barilla, planta de sal, camphire, herbe-à-crâbes, akulikuli-kai

Saltwort is a long-lived salt-loving perennial, between endan­gered and invasive depending upon locale. They are first to appear after hurricanes or other events that clear land. They are found on the coasts of North, Central and South America.

Plants: These are “subshrubs” 1½–5′ (50–150 cm) in height and up to 6½′ (2 m) around. They form dense colonies. Stems grow vertically at first, lying down under their increasing weight and trailing to form loose mats. Branches are often 4-angled, sometime 3- or 5-angled.

Leaves: Simple, opposite, succulent, almost cylindrical, and sessile (attached directly to the stem). They are up to ⅞″ (2.5 cm) long. Sap is salty, and smells slightly of vinegar.

Flowers: Tiny and white. Male and female flowers occur on different plants. They form small green clusters, appearing June-August.

Fruits: Greenish-yellow fruits, vaguely resembling pickles, are ⅜–¾″ (1–2 cm) long, and roughly cylindical. They float on seawater to disperse.

Habitats: Salt and brackish marshes and mangrove swamps.

Edibility: Leaves are salty, eaten raw or cooked, as potherb, puree, or pickles. Seeds are edible in salads, toasted, or “popped” like corn. Boiling leaves reduces their salt content. Seeds are high in oil and nutritonal value, and could serve as a commerical food source.

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Batis maritima description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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