halophyte A plant that can tolerate a high concentration of salt in the soil. Such conditions occur in salt marshes and mudflats. Halophytes possess some of the structural modifications of xerophytes; for example, many of them are succulents. In addition, they are physiologically adapted to withstand the high salinity of the soil water: their root cells have a higher than normal concentration of solutes, which enables them to take up water by osmosis from the surrounding soil. Examples of halophytes are mangrove trees (see mangrove swamp), thrift (Armeria), sea lavender (Limonium), and rice grass (Spartina). Compare hydrophyte; mesophyte.

hal·o·phyte / ˈhaləˌfīt/ • n. Bot. a plant adapted to growing in saline conditions, as in a salt marsh.

halophyte A terrestrial plant that is adapted morphologically and/or physiologically to grow in salt-rich soils and salt-laden air (e.g. Salicornia species, glass-worts). See also SALT MARSH.

halophyte A terrestrial plant that is adapted morphologically and/or physiologically to grow in salt-rich soils and salt-laden air (e.g. Salicornia species, glassworts). See also salt marsh.

halophyte Any plant that is able to live in salty conditions.