Sea-heath (Frankenia laevis, Sp. Pl.: 331 (1753))

Family: Frankeniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 331 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Frankenia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, Madeira, S. Great Britian to W. & WC. Medit.

Description

Sea-heath, scientifically known as Frankenia laevis, is an intriguing plant belonging to the Frankeniaceae family. Authored by the prominent botanist Carl Linnaeus and appearing in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species has garnered considerable attention over the centuries due to its distinctive characteristics and adaptability.

Native to a broad geographical range, Sea-heath is found flourishing in the coastal regions of the Azores and Madeira, extending its habitat from Southern Great Britain to the Western and West-Central Mediterranean. This extensive distribution is a testament to the plant’s resilience and ability to thrive in varied climatic conditions typically associated with coastal environments.

Sea-heath is particularly notable for its low-growing, often prostrate form, which makes it well-suited to withstand harsh maritime conditions such as salty winds and sandy soils. The plant’s foliage is adapted to these environments, exhibiting small, flat leaves that can conserve moisture. The tiny, star-shaped flowers of Frankenia laevis add to its charm, typically blooming in shades of delicate pink, creating a subtle yet beautiful display against the stark maritime landscape.

The ecological role of Sea-heath is significant, as it often forms part of the primary vegetation in coastal habitats, contributing to soil stabilization and providing a habitat for various local fauna. Its ability to colonize and thrive in saline soils makes it an important species for maintaining coastal biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Given its historical botanical significance and ecological importance, Sea-heath remains a subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike, who are fascinated by its adaptability and ecological contributions to some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Common Names

Swe: frankenia
Eng: sea-heath
Cym: grugeilun llyfn, grugeilyn llyfn
En: Sea-heath
Fi: Silosuolakukka
Fr: Frankénie lisse, Bruyère marine
It: Erba-franca legnosa
Es: Brezo de mar, Brezo marino
Sv: Frankenia
Cy: Grugeilun llyfn, Grugeilyn Llyfn

Synonyms

• Frankenia hirsuta f. tomentosa (Merino)
• Frankenia hirsuta subsp. laevis ((L.) P.Fourn.)
• Frankenia laevis var. locunorum (Maire, Weiller & Wilczek)
• Frankenia hirsuta var. laevis ((L.) Boiss.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2015 by kaktushorst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Mélissa Gallien (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2008 by David Genney (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2021 by Perez Conchi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 14, 2018 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2019 by Pascl Dew (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 8, 2017 by saulemarsault (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 11, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7273513)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:366294-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Frankenia laevis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 6