Publication: Ann. Bot. Fenn. 45: 250 2008.
Description
Sarcocornia neei is an an erect to decumbent small shrub with fused leaves that ensheath completely the internodes, giving a succulent aspect to the stems. Sarcocornia neei exhibits a wide morphological variation in different parts of its distribution. However, the types and living populations of them appear to belong to a single variable taxon which is to be named S. neei.
Stem: Robust, strongly woody, up to 80 (-150) cm tall, not creeping nor rooting at nodes.
Leaves: Connate to ensheath completely the internodes, giving a succulent aspect to the stems. Leaf apex rounded and succulent.
Inflorescence: Many-flowered, medium sized (10–40(–60) long and up to 3-4 mm across), with a terminal spike commonly accompanied with many shorter lateral branchlets.
Seeds: 1.2 -1 mm, covered with long, patent hooked or curved hais.
Taxonomy: S. neei is close to Sarcocornia pacifica. As regards to S. bergii, S. doeringii and S. corticosa var. nachtigali they should be synonyzed with S. neei.
S. neei is distinct from Eurasian Salicornia fruticosa.
Origin and Habitat
Ecuador to Argentina, mainly along the Pacific coast, but also on inland lowlands of Argentina. Altitude range: 0-500 metres above sea level.
Habitat and ecology: Sarcocornia neei is a characteristic halophyte of the “Salicornial” (Saline and humid soils along the coast).
Cultivation and Propagation
Sarcocornia neei can be consumed as a leafy green vegetable with important amounts of main nutrients and functional metabolites.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Edgar Heim “Flora of Arequipa, Peru: A Field Guide for Nature Lovers” BoD – Books on Demand, 1 December 2014
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M.A.Alonso & M.B.Crespo, “Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on South American taxa of Sarcocornia (Chenopodiaceae)”, Ann. Bot. Fenn. 45: 250 2008.
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Peter W. Ball, Xavier Cornejo & Gudrun Kadereit “Mangleticornia (Amaranthaceae: Salicornioideae) — a new sister for Salicornia from the Pacific coast of South America” Willdenowia, 47(2):145-153
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RIQUELME, Javiera et al. “Nutritional and functional characterization of wild and cultivated Sarcocornia neei grown in Chile.” Cienc. Inv. Agr. [online]. 2016, vol.43, n.2, pp.283-293. ISSN 0718-1620. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-16202016000200011.
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