Les salicornes s. l. (Salicornia L., Sarcocornia A. J. Scott et Arthrocnemum Moq. ) sur les côtes françaises

Bulletin de la S.B.C.O. Nouvelle série. Numéro spécial 24 (2004)

Samphire in the broad sense are plants that are often difficult to identify (and are sometimes only identified at a specific time in their development cycle), particularly annual samphire of the genus Salicomia L. These identification difficulties are largely due to the homogeneity of the morphology of the vegetative and reproductive organs, to which is added the great variability of the physical conditions of the environment to which these plants are subjected and react. Factors such as tidal conditions, more or less prolonged immersion, variations in salinity, nature of the substrate, duration of illumination, etc, conditions whose effects on morphology are rarely easy to distinguish from genetic factors, the only ones that must be taken into account for a correct determination.

Most of the book is devoted to annual Samphire, the most difficult to determine, with 8 species and a few hybrids. Perennial Samphire is also included, with two species of the genus Sacocornia A.J. Scott and the the monospecific genus Arthrocnemum Moq. For each species, the author indicates the synonymy, morphology, karyology, phenology, ecology, phytosociology and geographical distribution both in France, and also in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the British Isles.  One (or two) full-page illustrtions are devoted to each species.
The drawings, clearly illustrate shape, branching, and position of fertile spikes.There is also a bibliography and a determination key.

Using the results of their observations and measurements, the authors have provided a useful addition to the limited literature on this genus. Samphire is an imortant plant that plays a vital role in the life of salt marshes and in the landscapes of the coastline.

French language text