Suaeda
Atriplex semibaccata
The air tubes in this plant cause this plant to float. Native Americans made rafts and canoes from it. They also made matts from it (air mattresses?) and sandals (Air Nikes??).
This plant grows in shallow water. Oxygen from the aerial parts of the plant, from photosynthesis, diffuses down the stalk to the roots. The seed of tule can germinate and grow to the surface of the water in up to three feet of water!
(Photo by Carol Modine)
