Contents
Description
Cakile maritima is a plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as European searocket or sea rocket. The plant is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region but is also found in North America. It is a common coastal plant that grows on sandy beaches, dunes, and cliffs. The plant is a short-lived perennial that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a fleshy root system, and its stems are erect, branched, and covered with short hairs. The leaves of Cakile maritima are alternate, simple, and have a lobed or toothed margin. The plant produces white or pink flowers that bloom from July to September. Its fruit is a capsule that contains seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Cakile |
Appearance
Cakile maritima has a distinctive appearance. Its stem is green and covered in short hairs, and its leaves are green, lobed or toothed, and have a wavy margin. The plant produces white or pink flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers are small, with four petals and six stamens. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains brown, oblong seeds. The plant has a fleshy root system that helps it survive in sandy coastal soils.
Care Guide
Cakile maritima is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate salt spray and drought conditions, making it an ideal plant for coastal gardens. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help it establish its root system. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. Cakile maritima is hardy to USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cakile maritima is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cakile maritima is a coastal plant that is found on sandy beaches, dunes, and cliffs. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to North America. The plant is well adapted to harsh coastal conditions such as salt spray, high winds, and drought. It grows well in well-draining sandy soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cakile maritima a good plant for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, Cakile maritima is an ideal plant for coastal gardens as it is well adapted to harsh coastal conditions such as salt spray, high winds, and drought.
Q: How often should Cakile maritima be watered?
A: Cakile maritima should be watered regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help it establish its root system. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions.
Q: What pests can affect Cakile maritima?
A: Aphids and spider mites can be a problem for Cakile maritima. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cakile maritima?
A: Cakile maritima is hardy to USDA zones 3-9.
Related Plants
- Cakile edentula (American searocket)
- Brassica napus (Rapeseed)
- Brassica oleracea (Broccoli)
References
- “Cakile Maritima.” Flora of North America, efloras.org.
- “Cakile Maritima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Cakile Maritima.” Plant Finder, plants.usda.gov.
