Arthrocnemum belangeranum Moq., Chenop. Enum. 112. 1840; Arthrocnemum caspicum (Pall.) Moq. in DC., Prodr. 13 (2): 150. 1849 (nom. confus.); Halocnemum caspica var. belangerana (Moq.) Moq. in DC., Prodr. 13 (2): 149. 1849; Halostachys caspica (Pall.). C.A. Mey. in Bull. Soc. Nat. Mosc. 11: 361. 1838; l.c. 169. pl. 8. fig. 3; Parker, Forest Fl. Punj. ed. 3: 417. 1956; R.R.Stewart, Ann. Cat. Vasc. Pl. W. Pak. Kashm. 223. 1972; Halocnemum caspicum (Pall.) M. Bieb., FI. Taur.-Cauc. 3; 3. 1819; Salicornia caspica Pall., It. 1: 480. 1771- non L. (1753).

Shrub, or small tree, up to 3.5 m high, much branched, almost leafless; annotinous shoots jointed, glaucous, succulent, terete, glabrous and mostly muricate or more rarely almost shooth. Leaves inconspicuous, very short, triangular at apex, each forming a ± divergent band around the stem by fusion with the one opposite. Inflorescences spiciform, 1.5-2.5 x 2-4 mm, many, mostly opposite, borne on jointed peduncles. Flowers small, in 3s, subtended by short, scale-like or leaf-like bracts. Perianth united, obpyramidal, 3-lobed only at summit, fleshy, inflated and distinctly 3-angled in fruit, persistent. Stamen 1, ovary globose or ovoid; stigmas 2. Seed small, c. 0.75 mm long, ovate to oblong-ovate, ± curved.

Fl.Per : July - Nov.

Type: Persia, Bélanger 601.

A plant of salt marshy areas; Distribution: S.W. & C. Asia: N. Iran, Turkestan, Armenia, Caucasia, Songaria, Pakistan and China (Sinkiang, Kansu).

A new record for Sindh (see Stewart’s (1.c. ) remark: “Recorded once near Multan by A.V. Munro and reported by Parker” (1.c.).