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What is a Halophyte?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 19,343
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A halophyte is a plant which is capable of surviving in a highly salty environment. An estimated two percent of plant species are halophytic, with the vast majority of plants being glycophytes which will not survive on a salty substrate. Although halophytes make up a very small percentage of the overall plant population, they play a number of important roles in the environment, and they have some potentially useful industrial applications.

These plants can survive in a number of environments. Many are designed to grow in salt marshes and estuaries, where there is a high concentration of salty water. Others can live on cliffs and dunes near the ocean, and some are adapted for near-desert environments where water supplies may be limited and highly saline. A halophyte which lives in the desert is typically a succulent, so that it can store water to ensure that it has an ample supply.

Researchers distinguish between facultative halophytes and obligate halophytes. A facultative halophyte is a plant which can live in salty conditions, but would prefer to avoid salt, if possible. For example, plants which thrive during the rainy season, when salt concentrations are diluted, are usually facultative halophytes which tolerate the salt, but do not particularly enjoy it. An obligate halophyte, on the other hand, actually needs salt to survive.

Many people who have been to the beach have seen examples of halophytes, and they have also seen an example of one of the important roles that these plants play. Halophytes help to prevent erosion, which means that they keep beaches in shape, and allow beaches to build up over time. These plants can also turn a salt marsh into an area of solid ground, by slowly allowing decaying organic matter and soil to build up around their roots, stems and leaves. Halophytes shape the environments they live in, changing the surface of the Earth in the process. Certain halophyte species can also be used as animal fodder, an advantage in some communities.

Gardeners sometimes take advantage of these plants when they want to establish landscaping in a harsh, salty environment. By using native halophytes, gardeners can conserve water and energy, and preserve rare and interesting native species. These plants can also potentially be used in the manufacture of biofuels. One big advantage of using halophytes for biofuels is that it isn't necessary to dedicate arable land to the production of halophytes for fuel production, since these plants grow in areas which are unarable for conventional crops.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By Oceana — On Aug 23, 2011

I watched a fascinating show about mangrove forests. Mangroves are halophytes that live partly in seawater and partly on land, and they can survive levels of salt that most plants cannot.

Mangrove forests can consist of many different types of trees and shrubs. Some of my favorites that the program mentioned were palm trees and hibiscus bushes.

Every mangrove is capable of blocking a whole lot of salt. It also has an interlocking, complex system of roots that help it resist the force of ocean waves. These forests are the only thing that can survive the rough conditions of the areas where they grow.

By lighth0se33 — On Aug 22, 2011

Sea oats are a halophyte that grows along the beaches of the Gulf coast. They are also called sea grass, and they are used to stabilize the sandy areas. I visited a botanical garden while on vacation there, and I learned that this plant has long roots that can hold the loose sand in place.

Sea oats grow along the wooden piers that lead from hotels and condos to the beach. I saw several signs posted stating that disturbing or picking the sea oats will result in a large fine. These plants help maintain the structure of the beach in this area where hurricanes often cause mass destruction.

Beautiful clusters of golden oats top long stems. I have seen them in several beach paintings, and local craftspeople often make earrings in the shape of sea oats.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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