Mertensia maritima (Vegetable oyster)
Mertensia maritima (Vegetable oyster): Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Oysterplant, Mertensia maritima, is a herbaceous perennial in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its name refers to the flavour of its leaves, which recalls oysters. The species belongs to the flora of cool northern coasts in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs on beaches of sand, gravel and shingle, in landscapes where maritime conditions strongly influence the surroundings and the vegetation growing there.The plant has a low, spreading habit, with flexible stems extending close to the ground. It forms a clump whose visual appeal comes mainly from its foliage. The leaves have entire margins and are relatively thick and fleshy, often widening into a small spoon-like shape. Their blue-green to grey-blue colour gives them an unusual appearance among vegetable-garden plants. A waxy bloom on the surface contributes to this soft, matt colouring, which is quite different from glossy green foliage.Flowering introduces another contrast. Small pink-tinged buds open into blue flowers, tubular to…
