Batis maritima
Family: Bataceae
Plant Description: Monotypic family. Maritime dioecious plants. Leaves opposite, fleshy, glabrous, entire. Flowers small in conelike spikers.
Plant Trivia: Kids who live near the marine coastal beaches know this plant as a source of salt when they eat it. It is discouraged to eat saltwort from the wild due to possible microbial contaminations from animal fecal material. However, is safe to eat when washed.
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Found along mudflats, bay edges and other areas of high salinity. Has yellow to pale green, sometimes woody, shrublike plant 30-60 cm high. At a slightly higher it takes on a creeping aspect; at lower levels it is more erect. Where nodes touch ground, the plant will root.
Bloom Period: June-August
Plant Use: Reportedly used for medicinal purposes to treat ulcers and as a garnish in salads for its salt content.
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