15-2-2019 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - SAND STOCK (Marcus-kochia littorea)

Marcus-kochia littorea is a subshrub known for its resilience, found in dry, sandy coastal soils in the Mediterranean region. This plant, also called "alhelí de mar" (sea wallflower), belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is characterized by its white-ashy stems and lilac or purple flowers that bloom nearly year-round. 

Characteristics and habitat

Habitat: Thrives in dry, sandy, coastal dunes and sandy plains.

Native range: Found in the western and southern Mediterranean regions, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and North Africa (Morocco and Algeria).

Growth: It is a subshrub that can grow up to 40-50 cm tall.

Adaptation: It is well-adapted to salty conditions and can withstand high temperatures. 

Appearance and flowering

Flowers: The plant features delicate flowers with a purple or lilac exterior and a yellowish-white underside.

Stems: The stems are described as white-ashy and can be erect or ascending.

Flowering period: Blooms occur almost year-round, from February to December. 

Classification and naming

Family: It belongs to the Brassicaceae family (mustard family).

Scientific name: The genus Marcus-kochia was named after the botanist Marcus Koch, and the species name littorea is Latin for "of the coast".

Synonym: It was previously known as Malcolmia littorea.

15-3-2018 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - SAND STOCK (Marcus-kochia littorea)

"SAND STOCK" is a common name for Marcus-kochia littorea, a species of plant from the Brassicaceae family, which is known for growing in coastal sand dunes. It is also called "alhelí de mar" or "alelí das praias" and is a perennial plant with greyish stems and purple or lilac flowers that bloom from February to December. 

Marcus-kochia littorea (Sand Stock): This is the scientific name for the plant, which belongs to the Brassicaceae family.

Habitat: It is a coastal plant that grows in sandy areas and dunes.

Appearance: It is a perennial plant with a woody base that can grow up to 50 cm long. Its stems are a distinctive grey-ash color, and its flowers are a mix of purple/lilac on the outside and yellowish-white on the inside.

Other names: In Spanish, it is known as "alhelí de mar," and in Galician, it is called "alelí das praias".