Sea Purslane

Halimione portulacoides

Physical Characteristics

Halimione portulacoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia. Also in S. Africa.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw in salads or cooked as a potherb[5, 8, 12, 183]. Thick and succulent with a good crunchy texture and a natural saltiness[183, K]. They need careful washing when collected from the wild[52].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known