Halophytes and their potential as landscape plants

Abstract

Based upon literature search, field investigation, examination of the halophyte collection at the Environmental Research Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona, and an expert survey, 97 salt-tolerant plants have been identified for the use as landscape plants. The plants were screened at salinity levels between 5 and 40 ppt which are critical for plant survival. The globally gathered data revealed information about landscape criteria, such as aesthetic value, climate amelioration, soil stabilization, color, form and drought tolerance, which were organized into architectural, engineering and design categories. These landscape halophytes range from herbaceous ground covers to woody trees. The data were filed in a computer data base, including detailed information about the description and performance of every plant, habitat requirements, maintenance, landscape values and economic uses. The data base, which is continually up-dated, is a search-type, which functions as an information storage system and is designed to provide plant selection by needed characteristics or intended use.