Sea holly

The sea holly is a pioneer plant with tough, prickly leaves that can survive in impoverished, hostile environments and even enrich them, so they are more hospitable for other species. It can flourish despite a harsh salty and windy coastal climate and on sandy areas where its root system helps stabilize and prevent erosion of the dunes. In France, it can be found on the Channel, Atlantic, Mediterranean and Corsican coastlines. The plant, cultivated in gardens since the Middle Ages, was widely harvested in England and Europe between the 17th and 18th centuries. It served as food for communities during periods of famine and was also used to flavour marshmallow thanks to the sweet taste of its roots, similar to that of the carrot. In medicine, sea holly has been known since Antiquity as a medicinal plant. Traditionally, it is recognized for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, aphrodisiac and also antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.