Salsola kali
Sp. Pl. 1: 222. 1753.
Herbs, 5–50 cm, papillose to hispid or, occasionally, glabrous. Stems erect to ascending, branched from base; branches arcuate or, occasionally, almost prostrate. Leaves alternate; blade linear, mostly 1–2 mm wide in herbarium specimens, fleshy, usually not swollen at base, apex ± acuminate into rather firm, 1–1.5(–2.2) mm spine. Inflorescences interrupted at maturity, usually 1-flower per axil of bract; bracts alternate, not imbricate at maturity, reflexed, not distinctly swollen at base, apex narrowing into subulate spine. Flowers: bracteoles free or becoming connate and adnate to perianth base; perianth segments with comparatively narrow wing or in lower flowers occasionally wingless (in S. kali subsp. pontica sometimes prominently winged), with weak or firm, acute apex, glabrous; fruiting perianth 4–6(–8) mm diam. 2n = 36.
Distribution
coastal areas of Europe, n Africa, sw Asia, introduced and naturalized in other coastal regions.
Discussion
Subspecies ca. 2 (2 in the flora).
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
Key
| 1 | Perianth segments with rigid, subspinose apex and prominent midvein; bracteoles distinct, not swol- len | Salsola kali subsp. kali |
| 1 | Perianth segments with weak apex and obscure midvein; bracteoles connate at base, swollen | Salsola kali subsp. pontica |