Soda oppositifolia

Description:

This annual, woody plant can grow into shrubs up to 2 m tall. It has cylindrical-linear and opposed leaves. The flowers, which bloom from May to October, are hermphrodyte and have a size of 1 cm. Native to the Mediterranean Basin.

Habitat:

It is native to coastal areas. Tolerant to salinity, it takes root in nitrohalophilic communities and in abandoned farmlands and fields. Its alkaloid content makes it toxic to goats.

Notes:

This plant has been historically used, along with other Soda species, as a source of soda ash, in the manufacture of lye and soaps.