What is Salicornia ramosissima?
Salicornia very large It is an annual herbaceous species that belongs to the family of Chenopodiaceae. It is commonly known by names such as scorpion trap, crystal grass, salt grass o soapwort and in some areas of the Iberian Peninsula it also receives names such as coral o greenThis plant is especially adapted to saline habitats, which makes it a halophyte characteristic of salt flats, marshes and salt marshes, both coastal and inland.
Morphology and botanical description
La Salicornia very large It stands out for its cylindrical and segmented appearance. The stems can reach from 3 to 40 cm in height and are quite branched, acquiring reddish-purple hues after anthesis. It has stems articulated in the form of segments, which give it a barrel-like appearance, being wider in the center than at the ends. Although it appears to lack leaves, these are actually opposite, welded together and to the stem, forming fleshy segments. It is usually glabrous and glaucescent, sometimes pruinose, and shows a marked polymorphism.
The inflorescences They are spike-shaped and terminal, in the form of a torulous spike (cylindrical but with alternating narrowings and thickenings), 1 to 8 cm long and composed of 4 to 30 fertile segments and one sterile lower segment. Each segment has two opposite triflorous cymes. central flower The perianth of each cyme is slightly larger than the lateral ones, and its base is usually covered by the scarious margin of the lower segment, thus differentiating it from other species of the genus. The perianth is formed by 3 fused fleshy pieces, and the androecium usually has 1 stamen, although it sometimes lacks one or may have 2. The ovary is superior and there are 2 stigmas.
The seeds They are upright, ovoid, 1–1,5 mm in diameter, somewhat compressed, and with appressed hairs. Specifically, the seeds produced by the central flowers are larger than those of the lateral flowers.
Geographic distribution and habitat
La Salicornia very large It is widely distributed in the western europe and the northwest africa. It is widely present in the Iberian Peninsula, including the Balearic Islands and particularly on the Galician coast (Lugo, A Coruña, Pontevedra), although it can also be found in some inland areas. It adapts to both marshes and temporarily flooded salt marshes of the coast as well as brackish or saline lagoons of the interior, from sea level to approximately 1500 meters above sea level.
It is abundant in certain areas southeastern Madrid and La Sagra, and common in the eastern region and some inland areas such as temporary salt lakes in Castilla-La Mancha. In the Community of Madrid, it is present in places such as Arroyo Salinas, the Aranjuez salt marshes, and Laguna de las Esteras in Colmenar de Oreja, as well as in several locations in Toledo and other autonomous communities.
Biological cycle and phenology
It is a annual plant (therophyte) that germinates, flowers and bears fruit in the same year. The flowering and fruiting period ranges from May to November, depending on the location and environmental conditions. After completing its cycle, the plant dries and disperses its seeds, allowing the colonization of new saline habitats each season.
Ecology, adaptations and common confusions
La Salicornia very large has developed morphological and physiological adaptations to survive in high salinity environments. Its fleshy stems they store water and its small leaves minimize transpiration. It turns red as it matures, reaching reddish-purple hues, making it easy to identify in the field, especially in contrast to other species of the genus.
It can be confused with Sarcocornia perennis, a species with which it usually shares its habitat, although the latter is perennial and not annual. Other salicornias have cylindrical segments as opposed to the barrel-shaped characteristic of S. ramosissima. In addition, the larger central flower and larger main seeds distinguish it from other related species.
Conservation status and threats
Although the Salicornia very large Although it is not globally threatened, certain local populations may be subject to surveillance or protection, especially in regions such as Castile and León, where it is considered a taxon of preferential attention; near threatened in the Balearic Islands and vulnerable in the Basque Country. The main risks to the species derive from the habitat loss saline due to agricultural transformation, urbanization and alteration of water regimes.
Traditional uses and ecological value
This plant has been traditionally used as source of soda for soap and glass making, hence some of its popular names. In addition, it has culinary potential as a salt vegetable and its role in biodiversity of saline wetlands It is key, providing shelter and food to numerous species of birds and small invertebrates.
La Salicornia very large It is a halophyte plant of notable botanical, ecological, and ethnobotanical interest. Its polymorphic morphology, adaptability to extreme environments, and presence in salt marshes in Europe and Africa make it a benchmark in the saline ecosystem. Thanks to its hardiness and ecological value, its conservation is a priority for preserving the biodiversity of unique habitats.
