Plants

Salt-dependent

Salt marshes are characteristic of saline soils in salt marshes. Halophytes, as salt-loving plants are called, can withstand high concentrations of salt. They are commonly found at the mouths of rivers and streams and in salt marshes, as well as in the narrow coastal strip influenced by spray.

Here there is a physiological drought, as the concentration of brine is so high that water from normal plants passes outwards through the roots instead of inwards, and the plant dries out. Halophytes have adapted so that they can regulate the amount of salt in their tissues. These adaptations are morphological, anatomical, biochemical and physiological.

In Slovenia, almost all halophyte species are on the Red List of Threatened Species, as they can only thrive in a narrow band of saline habitats near the sea. Due to the encroachments that have often shaped the coastline in the past (and even today), halophyte vegetation has changed its appearance considerably over time and has probably been completely destroyed in some areas. However, certain species are quite common in places where halophytic vegetation is still preserved. Some also occur on ruderal sites such as bathing beaches and dykes. In salt marshes, halophytes thrive mainly on the edges of salt fields and in ditches.