Tecticornia indica subsp. indica

indica: of India

Mat-forming, apparently leafless perennial with prostrate main stems and numerous ascending side branches up to 30 cm high. Each branch built up of numerous more or less tubular segments. Sterile segments 5-11 mm long. Fertile spikes 1-4 cm long and 4-5 mm in diameter, flowering parts hidden except for the stigmas and very rarely the anthers.

Locally abundant

Along most Indian Ocean coastal shores from Somalia to Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India and the northern shors of Australia. Also in Angola and possibly further up the western coast of Africa.