Fortunato Gatto's Image

Fortunato Gatto (Italy) finds an oyster plant growing through a bed of rotting seaweed.

This oyster plant caught Fortunato’s eye as he was driving the coastal route around Iceland’s remote Westfjords on a July afternoon. He was “amazed by its unique adaptability, flourishing in the challenging environment amidst seaweeds”.

These plants take root firmly in the shingle around the high-tide mark. They tolerate salt water and thrive on the nutrient-rich seaweed dumped by the waves. Their extensive root system helps bind sandy particles, making shorelines more resilient against tides and currents.

The oyster plant is named for its oyster-like smell and taste. These are caused by a suite of volatile chemicals also emitted by shellfish and marine plankton.