Sesuvium portulacastrum
Family: Aizaoceae
Plant Description: Perennial with creeping (prostrate) stems to 2 m long, often forming mats, stems rooting at nodes. Leaves 3-5 cm long, oblanceolate to elliptic, fleshy (succulent), glabrous, waxy. Stems often red or orange. Flower star-shaped, partially united, petals absent. Tepals 5-7 mm long, lavender-purple on inner side. This genus can grow into extensive matts.
Plant Trivia:
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Common along bay and island beaches.
Bloom Period: April – December
Plant Use: Seeds eaten by waterfowl.
Key to the species of Sesumium:
- Stamens 5………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Stamens more than 5…………………………………………………………………………..3
2. Seeds smooth……………………………………………………………….S. maritimum
Seeds rugose………………………………………………………….S. trianthemoides
3. Stems rooting at nodes, stems mostly trailing..S. portulacastrum
Stems not rooting, branching stems mostly erect….S. verrucosum
stxflora 