Photographs: Co. Cork

Rock Samphire Crithmum maritimum Craobhraic Family: Apiaceae Flowering time: June-September. Perennial. Native. Umbels of yellow-green flowers with very small in-curved petals are followed by ovoid, spongy, ribbed fruit. Numerous bracts and bracteoles are present. The very fleshy triangular leaves are almost cylindrical and either bi-pinnate or bi-ternate with entire leaflets. A hairless plant with ridged, solid stems and a spreading growth habit. Height 15-30cm Coastal on sand, shingle, rocks and walls but less frequent in the north and north-west of Ireland.

Rock Samphire, Crithmum maritimum, Craobhraic