Flora
On the Aigues-Mortes salt marsh, the presence of salt and the work of the salt makers over time and generations have helped foster a unique biodiversity, with some plant species only growing in the salt marshes. 280 plant species have been recorded, including 20 protected species.
![immortelle des sables immortelle des sables](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_01.png?itok=N_50kVBv)
![immortelle des sables immortelle des sables](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_01.png?itok=N_50kVBv)
SHRUBBY EVERLASTING
Helichrysum stoechas – Its Latin name means "golden flowers" in reference to its yellow blooms. The flowers bloom for a very long period, which is why the plant is known as "everlasting". It is used to treat bruises. When in flower (from June to September), the plant has a fragrance similar to curry.
![LYS DE MER LYS DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_02.png?itok=b-mFbwEj)
SEA DAFFODIL
Pancratium maritimum – The plant has white, fragrant flowers shaped like funnels. It is in bloom from July to September. The plant is a natural way to eliminate toadstools.
![LYS DE MER LYS DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_02.png?itok=b-mFbwEj)
![RAISIN DE MER RAISIN DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_03.png?itok=fdEHlkYX)
![RAISIN DE MER RAISIN DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_03.png?itok=fdEHlkYX)
SEAGRAPE:
Ephedra distachya – A rare species in Camargue but much in evidence in the salt marshes. It produces little red berries that have been used to treat asthma and nettle rash for millennia.
![LA SALSEPAREILLE D’EUROPE LA SALSEPAREILLE D’EUROPE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_04.png?itok=5wVGj0Ws)
COMMON SMILAX:
Smilax aspera – As sarsaparilla, it is famous as the Smurfs' favourite dish. The prickly climbing plant is also used for medicinal purposes and famous for its diuretic effects.
![LA SALSEPAREILLE D’EUROPE LA SALSEPAREILLE D’EUROPE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_04.png?itok=5wVGj0Ws)
![MALCOMIE NAINE MALCOMIE NAINE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_05.png?itok=Oj4QqbyS)
![MALCOMIE NAINE MALCOMIE NAINE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_05.png?itok=Oj4QqbyS)
MALCOLMIA NANA:
Malcomia nana – The species disappeared in France during the 1960s but reappeared in the salt marshes in 2007!
![LA SALADELLE LA SALADELLE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_11-saladelle.png?itok=TpxkZdco)
MEDITERRANEAN SEA LAVENDER:
Limonium vulgare is its Latin name. It is used as a decorative element in houses. The plant secretes salt crystals under each leaf.
![LA SALADELLE LA SALADELLE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_11-saladelle.png?itok=TpxkZdco)
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SAND STOCK
Malcolmia littorea – Remarkable for its "purpurin" colour. It grows in clusters in the sand.
![LA BARLIE DE ROBERT LA BARLIE DE ROBERT](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_08_0.png?itok=ledVAyEr)
GIANT ORCHID
Barlia robertiana – an orchid that flowers as early as the end of February. This is a robust plant with purple flowers resembling little caps.
![LA BARLIE DE ROBERT LA BARLIE DE ROBERT](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_08_0.png?itok=ledVAyEr)
![LE POURPIER DE MER LE POURPIER DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_09.png?itok=FGqZM4Ec)
![LE POURPIER DE MER LE POURPIER DE MER](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_09.png?itok=FGqZM4Ec)
SEA SANDWORT:
Honckenya peploides – The young shoots and leaves can be preserved in vinegar, like gherkins, and added to salads.
![LA SALICORNE LA SALICORNE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_12.png?itok=Kl7Eacdd)
GLASSWORT:
Salicornia – This is a halophile plant, that is to say, it thrives in a salty environment. The plants have salt water inside them. The tiny leaves are bound together 2 by 2 at the edges, forming a sheath to minimise water loss.
This a wild plant that can be eaten as a vegetable. The plants are harvested young in July. The green and tender tips can be used in salads or a steam-cooked like green beans or aspargus.
![LA SALICORNE LA SALICORNE](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_12.png?itok=Kl7Eacdd)
![Panicaut bleu Panicaut bleu](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_10.png?itok=JGjvdKxI)
![Panicaut bleu Panicaut bleu](/sites/default/files/styles/co_fai_blocktext_8_s/public/2018-12/Camargue_photo_flore_10.png?itok=JGjvdKxI)
SEA HOLLY:
Eryngium maritimum – Victor Hugo called this plant the "blue thistle of the sands". It is one of 20 protected and endangered species living in the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes.