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coastal searocket

Scientific Name: Cakile lanceolata

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sea Rocket: A Coastal Pioneer

Sea rocket, belonging to the Cakile genus, is a fascinating plant adapted to thrive in harsh coastal environments. Known for its ability to colonize barren sand and seaweed heaps, it plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some varieties of sea rocket have fleshy leaves.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Cakile (genus)
  • Common Name: Sea Rocket

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
  • The Cakile genus consists of about seven species.
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Cakile maritima (European Searocket)
    • Cakile edentula (American Sea-Rocket)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Sea rockets are native to seashore regions of North America and Europe.
  • Cakile edentula is native to the east coast of North America and along the Atlantic coast.
  • Cakile maritima is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It has been introduced around the world.
  • Frequently found on coastlines, including the British Isles, Western Isles, Dutch North Sea coast, and the west coast of North America (California to British Columbia).
  • Prefers coastal beaches and bluffs.

Ecological Role

  • Sea rocket is a pioneer species, meaning it is among the first plants to colonize barren environments.
  • It can be invasive. American sea-rocket has been introduced elsewhere in the world and is invasive in Japan.
  • Sea rocket colonizes bare coastal sand and binds soil with its roots.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cakile maritima has fleshy leaves.
  • It is an annual plant that forms a low mound.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • An unknown root-knot nematode can infect European sea rocket feeder roots.
  • Sand Dart (Agrotis ripae) eats Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima).

Quirky Facts

  • Sea Rocket is the only plant with lilac or mauve colored petals that grows near the sea.
  • It is considered edible and quite healthy.

Further Information

  • Project Noah is a tool that nature lovers can use to explore and document local wildlife.