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- This plant is normally a low, sprawling plant which grows on sandy shorelines, nourished by sea salt.
- In May 2022, two strong plants grew from seed on the bund on Cowbar. It is possible that the seeds have been dormant in the soil and responded to being churned up into bare, dry soil.
- It is a member of the Brassica family and closely related to the cabbage and mustard which also grows on Cowbar.
- Populations in different locations can show major differences in leaf shape, probably because they are adapting to local conditions (strong winds for example).
- Its scientific name – Cakile maritima – is partly based on the Arabic word for sea rocket – Kakile.
- The colour of the flowers ranges from white through lilac to deep pink. The plant flowers for most of the summer.
- The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bumblebees, butterflies and burnet moths.
- The plants are annuals. The fruits which they develop are made up of two compartments – each can contain one seed. The top segment breaks off and is often carried away by the sea while the lower segment stays on the plant for longer, dries out, drops off and is blown away by the wind.
- Sea rocket is a pioneer species. It germinates and establishes itself above the high tide lines and puts down deep tap roots. Sand particles gather around these, creating embryonic dunes. These mini dunes provide a habitat for other species, such as sea holly and sea sandwort. Plants such as marram grass follow along behind.
- Sea rocket was originally found off the coast of Finland.
- All above-ground parts of this plant can be eaten, raw or cooked, but can taste quite bitter.
- The roots can be dries and made into a flour.
- The seed contains a fatty oil, rich in vitamin C, which can be used in skin care products.
