This low-growing succulent is a halophyte, which means salt tolerant. It survives well on saltmarshes along the wetter coastal areas of Australia. At Jawbone it can be seen as a spreading ground cover along the shoreline usually less than 30cm high.
The plant lacks true leaves, having modified stems that limit water loss and accumulate salt. Very tiny white flowers appear at the stem joints during summer followed by small fruit. The plant is quite distinctive in autumn as the stems turn red.
There are many varies of glasswort around the world and some are used as food sources.
