A tough little critter

This pretty little plant is sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima). It is a prostrate, creeping perennial found only in saline areas near the top of the shore. It likes to have its roots in muddy sand and thrives among shingle. The tiny flowers are pale pink and what look like petals are in fact sepals. Use the magnifying lens to see them.

Despite its tender appearance the milkwort lives in the most challenging of habitats and must be able to shrug off the ravages of salt spray and occasional immersion in salt water as well of deluges of fresh water, lack of shade and baking heat from the sun, freezing winter temperatures, an unstable substrate and exposure to strong winds.