Frankenia salina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frankenia salina
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Frankeniaceae
Genus:	Frankenia
Species:	F. salina
Binomial name
Frankenia salina (Molina) I.M. Johnst.
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Frankenia salina, often called alkali heath or alkali seaheath, is a special plant that lives for many years. It grows naturally in parts of California, Nevada, Mexico, and Chile. Even in the areas where it's usually found, like just north of the San Francisco Bay, it's not very common.

About the Alkali Heath Plant

The alkali heath is a short, bushy plant with lots of small, twiggy branches. It often grows near beaches and salty wetlands called coastal salt marshes. Its common name, 'alkali heath', tells us something important. It means the plant loves to grow in alkaline or salty soils. Plants that can live in very salty places are known as halophytes.

How It Survives in Salty Places

Living in salty soil can be tough for most plants. But the alkali heath has a cool trick! It can actually get rid of extra salt from its leaves. This special ability helps it survive and thrive in salty environments where other plants might struggle. It's a great example of how plants adapt to their surroundings.

What Its Flowers Look Like

The alkali heath produces pretty flowers. These flowers are usually a lovely pink color. Sometimes, they can even be a bright, vibrant fuchsia. These colorful blooms add a splash of beauty to the coastal areas where the plant grows.