sea-rocket
Cakile maritima

Family: Brassicaceae.

Type: Annual herbaceous plant.

Leaves: Succulent, highly dissected leaves.

Twig: Growth form is sprawling and prostrate, typical of beach scrub.

Fruit & Flower: The name sea-rocket comes from the shape of the fruits, which look like little rocket ships. Its flower is typical of the mustard family.

Miscellaneous: Sea-rocket is non-native. It occurs far out into disturbed beach areas; it is the most primary of the primary dune plants, beginning colonization of open dunes and facilitating entry by other species. The native Cakile is very rare; this non-native species has replaced it ecologically.





All photos and text ©2008 Ben Haller. Permission is granted to use and reproduce these photos for any non-commercial or non-profit use as long as this original copyright notice is retained.