Cakile

Description

Cakile is a genus of plants that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. This beach-loving plant is commonly known as sea-rocket, and there are about eight species of Cakile that grow mainly in the coastal areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Cakile is an annual or biennial plant that is well adapted to sandy beaches, tolerating salt spray, drought, and poor soil conditions. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers and fleshy, oblong or elliptical fruits that contain one or two seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cakile has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognize. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall, with a fleshy stem that is green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, with a waxy coating that helps them retain moisture. The flowers are small, with four petals and six stamens, and they bloom from June to August. The fruits are oblong or elliptical, about 2-4 cm long, and they turn from green to brown as they mature.

Care Guide

Cakile is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow this beach-loving plant:

• Water: Cakile is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help it establish its roots.
• Fertilization: Cakile does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
• Soil: Cakile prefers sandy, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, you can amend it with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Cakile requires full sun to thrive. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Cakile is hardy in USDA zones 4-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cakile is generally not affected by many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:

• Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can feed on the leaves and stems of Cakile, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
• Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-draining soil can cause root rot in Cakile. To prevent this, make sure to plant the plant in well-draining soil and water it only when the soil is dry.

Habitat

Cakile is a plant that thrives in sandy beaches and dunes, where it helps stabilize the sand and prevent erosion. The plant is well-adapted to the harsh, salty conditions of the coast, and it can grow in areas that are regularly flooded by seawater. Cakile is also commonly found in salt marshes and along the banks of estuaries.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cakile edible?
A: Yes, the young leaves and fruits of some species of Cakile are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

Q: Can Cakile be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cakile can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and is filled with sandy, well-draining soil.

Q: Does Cakile attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cakile is a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.

Q: How can I propagate Cakile?
A: Cakile can be propagated from seed, which should be sown directly in the ground in the spring or fall. The plant can also self-seed and spread naturally.

Related Plants

• Brassica nigra
• Brassica oleracea
• Cardamine pratensis
• Cochlearia officinalis
• Lepidium virginicum

References

• Flora of North America: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=103305
• Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c800
• University of Connecticut Plant Database: https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=94