Sarcocornia quinqueflora

Sarcocornia quinqueflora, or Beaded Glasswort, is a low-growing, succulent perennial herb native to coastal and saline environments of Australia. Commonly found in salt marshes, tidal flats, and estuaries, it forms dense mats of jointed, bead-like green stems that turn shades of red or orange in cooler months, creating a striking visual effect. Tiny, inconspicuous flowers are produced within the fleshy stems.

Thriving in waterlogged, saline soils and tolerating full sun, Beaded Glasswort is highly salt-tolerant and drought-resistant, making it ideal for salt marsh restoration, erosion control, and as a groundcover in challenging conditions. Its spreading habit helps stabilize soils, improve water quality by trapping sediments, and provide habitat for coastal wildlife, including wading birds and invertebrates.

With its unique appearance, resilience to harsh coastal conditions, and ecological contributions, Sarcocornia quinqueflora is a valuable addition to wetland rehabilitation projects, biodiversity-focused landscaping, and sustainable coastal plantings.