Sea Blite

Botanical name: Suaeda novae-zelandiae

Common name(s): Sea Blite

Plant facts:

A hardy, salt-tolerant coastal shrub adapted to life in harsh shoreline environments. This low-growing succulent species is able to thrive in highly saline soils where few other plants survive. It often develops attractive red and bronze tones during cooler months.

Natural habitat:

Common in salt marshes, estuaries, sandy and muddy shorelines, shell banks, and rocky coastal areas within the tidal zone.

Growing environment:

Coastal, Salt, Wind, Sun & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Found throughout New Zealand in coastal habitats of both the North and South Islands.

Height:

Usually up to 30–50 cm tall

Flowering:

November – March
Produces small greenish-white flowers in the leaf axils.

Fruiting:

November – March
Develops small glossy red-brown seeds.

Uses:

• Coastal restoration planting
• Salt marsh and estuary planting
• Ground cover for exposed coastal sites
• Edible coastal plant

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A much-branched, spreading subshrub with woody stems that form dense mats or low mounds.

Leaves:
Leaves are small, fleshy, and succulent, ranging from linear to narrow-oblong in shape. They are tightly arranged along the stems and help the plant conserve water in salty conditions.

Colour:
Typically grey-green to green, often turning vivid red, purple, or bronze during autumn and winter or in highly saline environments.

Flowers and seeds:
Tiny flowers grow at the base of the leaves and are followed by glossy seeds adapted for coastal dispersal.

How to grow:

Best grown in full sun with extremely well-drained soil. Ideal for coastal gardens and exposed sites with salt spray. Highly tolerant of drought and salinity but dislikes stagnant, waterlogged soils. Can be lightly pruned in spring to maintain a compact shape.