Sea Purslane, Shoreline seapurslane

Sesuvium portulacastrum

Basic Information

Family: Aizoaceae

Genus: sesuvium

Plant ID (slug): sesuvium-portulacastrum

Numeric ID: 25833

USDA Hardiness: 8-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Sesuvium portulacastrum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Worldwide in Tropical and Subtropical regions.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[301, 398]. An excellent vegetable[193]. A salty flavour and succulent texture[301]. The leaves have the acidulous flavour of sorrel (Rumex spp. And Oxalis spp.)[299]. Because they are very salty, they need repeated boiling in fresh water[299]. They can also be pickled[301 ]. A good source of vitamin C[301]. The plant is harvested from the wild in many countries of the world and eaten as a vegetable[299 ]. It is sometimes sold in local markets[398 ].

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used as a haemostatic. A decoction of the plant is considered the best antidote for stings of venomous fish; it should be applied externally for a long time[299 ]. The leaves are said to be antiscorbutic[299 ].