Sesuvium portulacastrum (Aizoaceae) was an unexpected find during our September visit to the Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation Project. It is the first saltmarsh species in our Plant of the Month series.
Sesuvium portulacastrum is a sprawling perennial plant, green and succulent (above) during the wet season, turning reddish (below) during extended dry periods.
Sesuvium portulacastrum is commonly called Sea Purslane, although the same name is also used for several separate species.
Sesuvium portulacastrum produces small pink or mauve flowers for much of the year. They can be easily missed as they open for only a few hours each day. The flowers are followed by small round seed capsules containing tiny black seeds.
Fast growing Sesuvium portulacastrum forms a dense mat, providing natural erosion resistance near the shoreline. For the same reason it can be useful for coastal revegetation programs.
In some countries, Sesuvium portulacastrum is harvested from the wild and used as a vegetable or condiment, appreciated for its salty flavour and crunchy texture.
In cultivation Sesuvium portulacastrum could serve as a hardy ground cover in full sun and well-drained sandy soil. It can be easily propagated from seed or rooted stem cuttings.