Syn.: Behen uniflorus Link, Behenantha uniflora (Roth) Ikonn., Cucubalus maritimus Lam., Silene maritima With., Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima (With.) A. et D. Löve
Family: Caryophyllaceae Juss.
Distribution: Shores of western and northern Europe – from northwestern Spain through the Atlantic coast of France and the British Isles to Iceland and northern Scandinavia, including the Azores and Madeira. Several subspecies are recognized. The species has been introduced to Australia.
Ecology: It grows on sea cliffs and sandy or gravelly shores, but also on mountain rocks and scree. It blooms from May to August.
Description: Perennial herb, 10–15 cm tall. Stem procumbent to decumbent, leaves lanceolate to spathulate, entire, glaucous, often fleshy. Inflorescence 1- to few-flowered, bracts herbaceous, flowers pentamerous, calyx inflated, corolla 20–25 mm in diameter, petals 2-lobed, white. The fruit is a capsule.
Use: The plant is often grown as an ornamental.
These images were taken in Portugal, Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço (June 30, 2005).
