halophyte
Quick Summary
A halophyte is a plant that thrives in salty environments, such as salt marshes. These plants, like saltwort or sea lavender, are physiologically adapted to high salinity, often exhibiting characteristics similar to xerophytes, which are adapted to dry conditions.1
Examples of halophytic plants include grasses, sedges, rushes, and glassworts, which are commonly found in coastal marshes and estuaries. Samphires, a group of succulent, salt-tolerant plants, also fall under this category. They grow in various coastal habitats and have developed mechanisms to store excess salt within their cells. Some species, like marsh samphire, are even consumed for their salty flavor and crunchy texture.23
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
