Ammophila arenaria (marram grass)

Intolerant of occasional immersion in salt water

Tolerant of accretion rates of up to 1m/yr. Burial stimulates vertical growth.

Inrolled leaves protect against water loss. The inner surface of the leaf has hinge cells which when deflated (during dry conditions) cause the leaf to roll up.

Inner surface of the leaf also has stomata in pits and downy hairs in tramlines. When the leaf is rolled the leaves interlock which restricts water loss. The hairs also collect moisture evaporating from the sand.

A thick outer leaf cuticle reduces water loss and protects against abrasion.

Lignified tissue in the leaf strengthens them and protects from storm battering.

Mycorrhizal associations on the roots help to obtain nutrients (especially phosphorous?) from nutrient poor sand.