Some common salt marsh plants of the N.Kent marshes.

Known as halophytes, these hardy plants have adapted to survive their twice daily submergence in saltwater. Here are some species which I came across on a recent walk along the Thames Estuary between Higham & Gravesend.

Sea Purslane (Halimione portulacoides).

Common glasswort (Salicornia europea). 
The high salt concentration within  the tissues of this plant led to its traditional use in the manufacture of glass & soap. Hence its name.

Sea wormwood (Artemisia maritima) with its distinctive silvery leaves.

Golden samphire (Inula crithmoides). 
The bright yellow flowers of golden samphire grace the salt marsh with their presence during July & August each year.

Sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare). 
The beautiful mauve flowers of the sea-lavender appear during July through to September each year & are a popular nectar-source for bees, butterflies & many other insects.