Sarcocornia perennis - Perennial glasswort

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Caryophyllales - Family: Amaranthaceae

Various forms of this plant can be found throughout Europe, but this specimen was photographed in the Algarve region of Portugal in the Sapal de Castro Marim Nature Reserve, which is situated on the border between Spain and Portugal beside the estuary of the River Guadiana.

Not only can this plant withstand high temperatures but it is also adapted to survive the harsh and salt-laden conditions to be found in estuaries, where it grows in or on the margins of brackish water. Often confused with samphire, this glasswort is edible and is sometimes referred to as sea asparagus.

Perennial glasswort, formerly included in the Goosefoot family, is now generally recognised as a member of the Amarynth family.