The common name glasswort came into use in the 16th century to describe plants growing in England whose ashes could be used for making soda-based (as opposed to potash-based) glass. The glassworts are succulent, annual halophytes, or plants that thrive in saline environments, such as seacoasts and salt marshes.
Umhlanga Beach: There are two beaches – Bronze Beach and Main Beach both of which are patrolled by life guards throughout the day.
Kalk Bay is home to the tiny but locally famous surf spot named “Kalk Bay Reef”. This is renowned for heavy barrels and the associated shallow reef. It is best surfed on a big south-easterly swell or a north west wind. In smaller swells low tide makes for better barrels. Southern right whales come here during whale watching seasons, and are often seen playing or resting very close to surfers or piers.
