ExplorePlants

sea purslane

Sesuvium portulacastrum

Sea purslane is a fun, green plant that grows near the beach! It has thick, juicy leaves and pretty little flowers. This plant loves salty air and can even grow in sandy soil.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The sea purslane has thick, fleshy, bright green to reddish succulent leaves and stems that creep along the ground. It features small, star-shaped flowers that are typically pink or magenta, creating a vibrant contrast against its robust foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusSesuvium
sea purslane
flowering trait badgeevergreen trait badgesalt_tolerant trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
sea purslane

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

In several cultures, its fresh leaves are a tasty addition to salads or cooked like spinach!

Its tiny seeds can float for months, helping sea purslane spread to distant beaches worldwide!

Some people call it "pickleweed" because its salty leaves taste surprisingly tangy and crunchy!

This amazing plant helps prevent sand dunes from washing away during strong storms and winds!

Special abilities

Ability

Salt Shield

Sea purslane thrives in salty soil by storing and shedding excess salt in its leaves.

Ability

Water Reserve

Sea purslane has thick, succulent leaves that store precious water, helping it survive dry coastal conditions.

Ability

Creeping Colonizer

Sea purslane spreads by rooting new plants from its stems wherever they touch the ground.

Ability

Sand Stabilizer

Its sprawling roots and stems help to anchor loose sand, preventing erosion on fragile coastlines.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
50-150 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-Fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar from its flowers

shelters

Annulate fiddler crab

Uca annulipes

hides among its dense growth

eaten by

Oriental leafworm moth

Spodoptera litura

larvae feed on its succulent leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always explore plants with an adult and never eat anything you find without asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is sea purslane?

10-30 cm

How wide does sea purslane spread?

50-150 cm

How big are the flowers on sea purslane?

0.5-1 cm

When does sea purslane bloom?

Summer-Fall

Is sea purslane edible?

Yes

Is sea purslane toxic?

None

What is sea purslane's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is sea purslane pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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