Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Glasswort aka Pickleweed(Salicornia) Gordon Pond loop

Looking across the marshes around Gordon Pond( Henlopen Park),there are broad patches of pink and red adding color to the fall grasses. At least some of the red is due to the Glasswort, changing from green to red during the fall season. This may correlate with an increase in the salt content of the plant.  References note glasswort as a succulent halophyte,growing in salt environments.

The ashes of the plant can be used to make one form of glass. Since the plant is high in salt content, it could be a source of sodium carbonate for soap as well as glass. Th shoots can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled. An oil can be extracted and the seeds ground for various uses.

The variety shown had a woody stem with the shoots compared to chicken legs.


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