Sesuvium portulacastrum aka Shoreline Sea Purslane

Taxonomy

Genus Sesuvium Family Aizoaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Sesuvium portulacastrum, also known as shoreline purslane or sea purslane, is a sprawling perennial herb in the family Aizoaceae. It is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, Hawai`i, North America, and South America, but has naturalized in various locations worldwide. This vigorous, fleshy, trailing succulent-like evergreen perennial has smooth reddish-green stems that branch along the ground. Its oval leaves start off green but turn red to yellow as they mature. Showy pink flowers, which bloom for a few hours each day, can be observed throughout the year. These flowers are followed by small, shiny black seeds enclosed in small pods. Sesuvium portulacastrum grows in sandy clay, coastal limestone and sandstone, tidal flats, and salt marshes. It is highly salt, flood, and drought tolerant, making it an important sand stabilizer in coastal areas. Additionally, sea purslane is a suberect, prostrate, or creeping succulent herb that can reach a height of 30cm. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild and consumed as a vegetable, with its availability in local markets.

Common names

Shoreline Sea Purslane, Sea Purslane, Shore Purslane, Shoreline Seapurslane

How to care for Shoreline Sea Purslane

Difficulty

Caring for Shoreline Sea Purslane is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Shoreline Sea Purslane does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Lighting

Shoreline Sea Purslane requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Sea Purslane is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Shoreline Sea Purslane to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Region of origin

Shoreline Sea Purslane’s native range is Worldwide in Tropical and Subtropical regions.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Sesuvium Genus

Sesuvium verrucosum Western Purslane