Salicornia
See list of 4 species in this genusIn recent years, it has become customary to separate the annual species of Salicornia ( Salicornia s.s.) from the perennial species ( Sarcocornia), a separation that is also supported by details of the flowers and their position. However, Sarcocornia has been shown to be composed of two separate clades with Salicornia derived from within it (i.e., the genus Sarcocornia is not monophyletic; Kadereit et al. 2007). Therefore, an inclusive Salicornia is recognized here that includes annual and perennial species. Measurements in the key are based on fresh material. References: Wolff and Jefferies (1987), Ball (2003a, 2003b).
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1a. Plants perennial, with woody rhizomes; all 3 flowers of each cluster inserted at the same level [Fig. 339]
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1b. Plants annual, without rhizomes; the middle flower of each cluster conspicuously elevated above the 2 lateral flowers [Fig. 340]
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2a. Leaf and scale apex acute to acuminate, with a prominent mucro; inflorescence 4.5–6.2 mm thick, notably wider than the stem; flowers all concealed by bracts
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2b. Leaf and scale apex rounded to acute [Fig. 340], without a mucro; inflorescence 2.9–5 mm thick, usually of similar thickness to that of the stem; central flower exceeding the bract and visible
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3a. Inflorescences cylindric to long-tapering, the terminal with (5–) 7–23 (–25) fertile segments; scarious margin of leaves 0.3–0.4 mm wide; flowers with exserted stamens; fertile segments cylindric [Fig. 340]
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3b. Inflorescences swollen and rounded near apex, the terminal with (3–) 5–10 (–14) fertile segments; scarious margin of leaves narrower than 0.3 mm; flowers not exserting stamens, or sometimes, but then after dehiscence; fertile segments widened in the apical portion
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Each photo represents one species in this genus.