In this section, some plants from the sandy shores of Italy are shown. The species presented here display adaptations necessary for survival in this environment, which is hostile for plant life, characterized by aridity, constant winds, loose and unstable substrate, and water with a high concentration of salts.
Some of the species on display, such as the shore bindweed (Convolvulus soldanella), have underground stems that can produce new branches to replace those covered by sand. Other species, to cope with aridity, exhibit adaptations similar to desert plants, such as succulence, observed in sea rocket (Cakile maritima), the leathery-spiny appearance, characteristic of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), or the presence of whitish hairs, as in the sea yarrow (Achillea maritima). Some species, like the aforementioned Cakile maritima, survive in this environment also thanks to their short life cycle.
Sistema Museale di Ateneo
