Cakile maritima, commonly known as European Searocket, is a hardy, succulent plant native to the coastal regions of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. This annual plant typically grows in clumps or mounds in sandy areas, such as beaches and bluffs. Although it has a pungent and occasionally bitter taste, Cakile maritima can be eaten raw or cooked. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, antiscorbutic, appetizing, digestive, and purgative effects.
Taxonomy of Cakile maritima
Scientific Name
Cakile maritima Scop.
Synonym(s)
Bunias cakile, Cakile cakile, Crucifera cakile, Rapistrum cakile, Rapistrum maritimum
Common Name(s)
European Searocket, Sea Rocket, Two-head Sea Rocket
Scientific Classification
Family: Brassicaceae
Tribe: Brassiceae
Genus: Cakile
Etymology
The specific epithet "maritima" (pronounced "muh-RIT-tim-muh") means "of the sea; coastal, growing by the seashore" and refers to the habitat of this species, which typically occurs along coastlines.
Subspecies of Cakile maritima
- Cakile maritima subsp. baltica
- Cakile maritima subsp. euxina
- Cakile maritima subsp. integrifolia
- Cakile maritima subsp. maritima
Origin of Cakile maritima
Cakile maritima is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. However, it has been introduced to various other parts of the world and can now be found in many different regions.
Description of Cakile maritima
Cakile maritima is an annual succulent with branched stems and lobed, green leaves, often tinted with purple or magenta. The stems can be prostrate or ascending and may reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. They rise from a slender or stout taproot. The leaves are fleshy, alternate on the stem, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. The lower leaves are stalked and usually deeply divided into pinnate lobes, while the upper ones are unstalked and can be less divided.
During the summer, Cakile maritima produces fragrant, four-petaled flowers that can be mauve, pinkish, or occasionally almost pure white. The flowers appear in dense clusters on the main stem and branches and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The pod-like fruits are oblong, green, maturing to brown, and contain two smooth yellow or brown seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Cakile maritima
Cakile maritima is an annual plant that grows in clumps or mounds on beaches and bluffs. It is tolerant of salt spray and occasional seawater flooding.
This plant is relatively easy to grow in a garden and can self-sow if the soil is disturbed by hoeing. Cakile maritima thrives in areas that receive plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Cakile maritima has a short life span of about 4 to 5 months and is wholly dependent on its seeds for survival. In the wild, its usual life span is 4 to 5 months. The plant is pollinated by a wide range of insects, and its seeds are often dispersed by floating in seawater.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Cakile.
- Explore all plants within the family Brassicaceae.