Coastal plants face a problem of high salinity in the habitat's soil. A high level of salt impedes water uptake therefore plants living in this area are adapted to survive in such conditions. These plants are known as halophytes and have adaptations to help them better survive in these harsh conditions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These adaptive features include:

 

1. Succulent plant parts such as leaves and/ or stems- This helps the plant to store water

 

2. Salt secretion- Some have glands which are able to secrete salt

 

3. Change in salt concentration in roots- By keeping a high salt concentration in their roots, plants are able to extract water from the soil by osmosis as water moves down its concentration gradient. 

 

In spite of these difficult conditions, rocky beaches are home to many species including many endemic plants. Plants found include the Sea Samphire and the endemic Sea Chamomile. A full overview of flora found at Maltese rocky beaches can be accessed through the 'Catalogue' tab.