Sea Rocket, European searocket

Cakile maritima

Physical Characteristics

Cakile maritima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Coastal areas of Europe, including Britain, the Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root Seedpod Stem Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Leaves, stems, flower buds and immature seedpods - raw or cooked. They are rich in vitamin C but have a very bitter taste[4, 66]. Used mainly as a flavouring[132]. Very young leaves can be added to salads whilst older leaves can be mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb[183, K]. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread[2]. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity[183]. The seed contains a fatty oil[74]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin C None known

Known Hazards

None known