Halophytes, plants adapted to life in saline soils and salt water, are widespread in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews.

These species differ in appearance and survival strategies: from creeping forms to vertically growing ones capable of maintaining water-salt balance. In conditions of salinisation, which accelerates desertification, halophytes become important for ecology and agriculture.

There are up to 2,500 known species of halophytes in the world, with around 760 in Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, they grow on the Caspian coast and saline plains, forming a food base.

Against the backdrop of climate change and freshwater shortages, their study is becoming particularly important for the restoration of degraded lands.