Halimione portulacoides the sea shores of western and southern Europe, and from the Mediterranean Sea to western Asia. Copeland Islands (Co. Down). Botanical synonyms include "Atriplex portulacoides" L. and "Obione portulacoides" (L.) Moq. Recent phylogenetic research revealed, that "Halimione" is a distinct genus and can not be included in "Atriplex". Halimione portulacoides Halimione portulacoides or sea purslane (2n=36) is a small greyish-green shrub widely distributed in temperate Eurasia and parts of Africa. A halophyte, it is found in salt marshes and coastal dunes, and is usually flooded at high tide. The plant grows to 75 cm. It is evergreen, and in northern
Turgai Sea separated Europe from Asia." The division of the Eurasian landmass by the Turgai Sea had the effect of isolating animal populations. Perhaps best known to laypeople were the horned dinosaurs called Ceratopsia of the Cretaceous Period, which were restricted to Asia and western North America (which were connected for much of this era). The existence of the Turgai Sea also restricted various freshwater fish and amphibians. The Turgai Sea derives its name from a region of modern-day Kazakhstan, with its Turgai River and Turgai Valley. Turgai Sea The Turgai (or Turgay) Sea or Turgai Strait, also known as the West