The occurrence of Atriplex littoralis L. in Poland

The Atriplex littoralis L. is a rare and endangered species in Poland and many other countries in Europe. In Poland it is mainly found on the west coast and also rarely in central parts. It has been seen in Puck Bay and the Gulf of Gdańsk as well as in Hel Peninsula. The grassleaf orache is a halophyte, terophyte and a sunlight-loving plant. Data shows that apart from on the coast, this species may also appear in inland areas, for example on ruderal habitats such as roadsides. The results of our observations confirm the presence of the species on beaches and rocky bank reinforcement, with accumulation of annual vegetation in the Hel Peninsula and Puck Bay. Five sites, where Atriplex littoralis specimens occur have been found. In each site 1 to 15 specimens where found, in total 31. Five phytosociological relevés were made within the floristically poor patches of Matricario maritimae-Atriplicetum littoralis (Christiansen 1933) R.Tx. 1950. This association represents the protected type of habitat: Annual vegetation of drift lines (1210).