Golden samphire | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Genus: | Limbarda |
Species: | L. crithmoides |
Binomial name | |
Limbarda crithmoides (L.) Dumort. |
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Synonyms | |
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The golden samphire (Limbarda crithmoides) is a perennial coastal species, which may be found growing on salt marsh or sea cliffs across western and southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Golden samphire has a tufted habit, and the plant may grow up to 1 m tall. It has narrow fleshy leaves and large flower heads, with six yellow ray florets which may be up to 15 cm across. The flowers are self-fertile (able to pollinate themselves) and may also be pollinated by bees, flies and beetles.
Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked as a leaf vegetable.