any of about seven species of plants constituting the genus Cakile, of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to seashore regions of North America, Eurasia, western Asia, and Australia, and to central Arabian deserts. C. maritima, a European plant, has waxy, thick, lobed green leaves and pale-lavender flower clusters. Its leaves, 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) long, rise from a long taproot. C. edentula, a similar plant, is native to North American seashores and the Great Lakes.