Sea-heaths
What are they?
A family of low-growing plants with five-petalled, pink flowers that grow in dry, salt-laden habitats. Only a single species is native in the UK, but other species occur elsewhere in the world.
Where are they found?
Our native species is found on the drier, sandy edges of coastal saltmarshes.
Identification
The combination of succulent leaves with whitish dots on them, coupled with five-petalled, pink flowers is unique in our area.
Common Sea-heath Frankenia laevis
Native. A coastal species, occurring on sandy margins of saltmarsh. Very rare in Suffolk where it has for a long time been known only from the lower Alde/Ore saltings. A little more common on the North Norfolk Coast, but under threat from rising sea levels. Flowers July to August. A low, creeping species that is easily overlooked when not in flower.
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