Sesuvium portulacastrum aka Shoreline Sea Purslane

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.