Honckenya peploides aka Sea Sandwort

Taxonomy

Genus Honckenya Family Caryophyllaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Honckenya peploides, also known as sea sandwort or seaside sandplant, is a succulent perennial with a circumboreal distribution. It is the only species in the genus Honckenya and belongs to the plant family Caryophyllaceae. This small, subdioecious plant forms patches on sand and shingle above the high water mark of beaches. It has branching stems buried in the sand and pairs of fleshy leaves with membranous margins. The leaves are pale yellowish-green and ovate, oblong, or lanceolate in shape, often with pointed tips. The plant produces small greenish white pentamerous flowers with 10 stamens in the male flowers, which grow in the upper leaf axils. The flowers have ovate to lanceolate sepals, greenish-white petals, and three styles. The fruit is a capsule larger than the sepals, resembling a pea. Honckenya peploides is a spreading succulent perennial that grows to about 20cm tall and spreads up to 1m wide. It forms mounds of yellowish-green pointed leaves and produces white flowers with yellow-green sepals. The flowers are followed by yellow-green seed capsules that ripen from midsummer to early autumn.

Common names

Sea Sandwort, Seabeach Sandwort, Seaside Sandplant

How to care for Sea Sandwort

Difficulty

Sea Sandwort requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Sea Sandwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Sea Sandwort requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sea Sandwort will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

More info:
Wikipedia

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