Crambe maritima [Sea-kale]

[nfoto]

Rørslett, B. 2013. Crambe maritima L. (Brassicaceae). Sea-kale. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...itima-sea-kale/

 

Crambe maritima L.

NO: Strandkål

SE: Strandkål

DK: Strandkål

FI: Merikaali

DE: Meerkohl

EN: Sea-kale

 

This is a large seashore plant, native to Europe, with conspicuous glaucous cabbage-like foliage and massive sprays of white flowers. All local vernacular names aptly describe this plant as being a cabbage living by the sea. In fact, the foliage distinctly smells and tastes like ordinary cabbage although with a slightly brine-like aftertaste. It inhabits sandy or rocky shores, often close to the high tide mark. Flowering occurs in June.

 

However, being strictly confined to its littoral habitat makes conflicts with human exploitation of the same areas all to frequent and accordingly C. maritima is Red listed, endangered over its entire distibution range. It is protected by Law in several countries as well, but the reasons for its vulnerability remain unsolved.

 

Plants photographed in situ at Malmøya, Inner Oslo Fjord, Norway 18 June 2012. This is the northern limit for C. maritima in Norway. The beaches upon which it grows recently have been made National Preserves.

 

Image reference: CRAM_MAR_B1206182363_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D300, Nikkor 20 mm f/4 lens, daylight. Showing a wider view of a plant.

 

Image reference: CRAM_MAR_B1206182333_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D300, Medical-Nikkor 120 mm f/4 lens, built-in ring flash. Showing a branch of the inflorescence.

 

Image reference: CRAM_MAR_I1206184816_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light: Nikon D40X, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lens, Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

The petals of C. maritima alternate with UV-dark blotches and UV-brighter areas from the presence of conical cells. The stamens and styles are UV-dark.

 

References:

http://www.ultraviol...ure-references/

 

[Published 28 June 2013]