Centaurium littorals was cultured under various conditions of nutrient availability, salinity and pH. The mineral composition of the experimental plants and of plants from a field site was investigated. The highest relative growth rate observed was 0.02 mg.mg."1 day -1 and the shoot: root ratio was 0.8. Optimal growth occurred at very low nutrient availability. Suction tensions below 7 atm had no strong effect on the growth rate. There was a marked accumulation of NaCl in the tissues without a negative effect on the uptake of nutrient ions. In the pHrange 7.7-4.8 growth was equal. In its growth physiology and mineral nutrition Centaurium littorals is well adapted to the habitat; the brackish and poor young dune soil.