Halocnemum is a genus of halophytic shrubs in the family Amaranthaceae. The plants are fleshy and apparently articulated with characteristic globular or short-cylindrical lateral branches, and reduced leaves and flowers. There are three or two species, occurring from Southern Europe and North Africa to Asia.
Halocnemum
Halocnemum cruciatum
twigs of Halocnemum cruciatum with globular lateral branches
Amaranthaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the amaranth family, in reference to its type genus Amaranthus. It includes the former goosefoot family Chenopodiaceae and contains about 165 genera and 2,040 species, making it the most species-rich lineage within its parent order, Caryophyllales.
Amaranthaceae
Bassia laniflora (illustration), Camphorosmoideae
Flower of Nitrophila occidentalis, Polycnemoideae
Pollen grains of Halothamnus glaucus