Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.

Shoreline Sea Purslane; Large Sea Purslane

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Shoreline Sea Purslane is a native herbaceous perennial in the Ice-Plant family (Aizoaceae). It can be found in coastal areas of Alabama. Shoreline Sea Purslane occurs in wet sand soils in full sun on beaches, in dune depressions, along brackish wetlands, and in disturbed areas. It is a prostrate mat-forming perennial rooting at the nodes. Individual stems are 3-5 feet in length. The stems are somewhat succulent, green or reddish in color, and glabrous. Leaves are opposite, petiolate, oblanceolate to elliptic in outline, entire, and glabrous. The base of the leaf is clasping. Flowers are solitary in the axils of the leaves. Each flower has 5 petaloid calyx lobes that are green on the outer surface and pink-purple on the inner surface. There are no petals. Each flower has 30 stamens and a 5-locule ovary. The fruit is a capsule with 30-60 shiny black seed. Shoreline Sea Purslane is one of the most salt-tolerant of all coastal plants, and has been used as a ground cover in coastal areas and to prevent beach erosion. Shoreline Sea Purslane can be eaten raw although it is very salty. Plants are generally boiled in water or made into pickles to reduce the saltiness. It is high in vitamin C.—A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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