Sea pearlwort (Sagina maritima, Herb. Brit. 7: n.º 155 (1806))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: Don

Bibliography: Herb. Brit. 7: n.º 155 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sagina

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Medit.

Description

Sea pearlwort, scientifically known as Sagina maritima, is a captivating member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant was first cataloged in 1806 by the botanist Don, as indicated in the Herbarium Britannicum (Herb. Brit.).

Thriving in diverse regions from Macaronesia to Europe and the Mediterranean, Sea pearlwort boasts a remarkable adaptability to various coastal habitats. Its resilience makes it a notable species in these areas, often flourishing in sandy soils and rocky crevices where other plants may struggle to survive.

The plant itself is characterized by its small, delicate stature, typically forming low, cushion-like mats. Its fine, thread-like leaves are arranged in a compact, dense fashion, which helps to minimize water loss in often harsh, saline environments. Sea pearlwort produces tiny, white flowers that, although modest in appearance, contribute to its overall charm and add a subtle touch of elegance to its surroundings.

As an integral part of coastal ecosystems, Sagina maritima plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for various insects and microorganisms. Its presence indicates a healthy ecosystem where intricate ecological interactions are constantly at play. Hence, this humble yet tenacious plant demonstrates nature’s ingenuity and adaptability.

Common Names

Eng: sea pearlwort
Deu: strand-mastkraut, strandmastkraut
Dan: strand-firling
Pol: karmnik nadmorski
Fra: sagine maritime
Nld: zeevetmuur
Sme: riddosárremas
Nob: saltarve, saltsmåarve
Nno: saltarve, saltsmåarve
Swe: strandnarv
Cym: corwlyddyn arfor, corwlyddyn y morgreigiau
Gla: mongán mara
En: Sea Pearlwort
Da: Strand-firling
Nl: Zeevetmuur
Fr: Sagine maritime
De: Strand-Mastkraut, Strandmastkraut
He: סגינה חופית
It: Sagina marittima
Se: Riddosárremas
Nb: Saltarve, Saltsmåarve
Nn: Saltarve, Saltsmåarve
Pl: Karmnik nadmorski
Gd: Mongán mara
Sv: Strandnarv
Cy: Corwlyddyn Arfor, Corwlyddyn y Morgreigiau
: Sea pearlwort

Synonyms

• Sagina urceolata (Viv.)
• Sagina mariana (Sennen)
• Sagina debilis (Jord.)
• Sagina maritima var. rodriguezii ((Willk.) Pau)
• Sagina maritima var. rupestris (Samp.)
• Sagina maritima var. grosii (Pau)
• Sagina densa (Jord.)
• Sagina maritima subsp. stricta ((Fr.) Batt.)
• Sagina apetala subsp. debilis ((Jord.) Hook.f.)
• Sagina apetala subsp. densa ((Jord.) Hook.f.)
• Sagina apetala subsp. maritima ((G.Don) Hook.f.)
• Sagina rodriguezii var. amporitana (Sennen)
• Sagina rodriguezii (Willk.)
• Sagina thiebautii (Gand. ex C.Thiébaut)
• Sagina setigera (Bisch.)
• Alsinella maritima (Bubani)
• Sagina maritima var. elongata (Gren.)
• Alsinella filiformis (Bubani)
• Sagina maritima var. filiformis ((Pourr. ex Lapeyr.) Nyman)
• Sagina maritima var. debilis ((Jord.) Bab.)
• Sagina maritima var. densa ((Jord.) Nyman)
• Sagina apetala var. maritima ((Don) Wahlenb.)
• Sagina maritima subsp. rodriguezii ((Willk.) Nyman)
• Sagina carnosula (Norman)
• Sagina emporitana (Sennen)
• Sagina alpina (D.Don ex Garry)
• Sagina filiformis (Pourr. ex Lapeyr.)
• Sagina maritima f. brachyphylla (Holmb.)
• Sagina stricta (Fr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Norway (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Apr 28, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Hanno Schäfer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 3, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 30, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085407)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156478-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sagina maritima G.Don)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 4