Sesuvium portulacastrum (Sea Purslane)

Sesuvium portulacastrum (Sea Purslane) is a fleshy prostrate evergreen perennial forming a mat of smooth, trailing, reddish-green stems that branch regularly. They are clothed with fleshy, elliptic-ovate, succulent leaves which turn red or yellow with age or when exposed to full sun. Small showy pink flowers are borne more or less continually throughout the year. They open for a few hours each day and are followed by tiny smooth, shiny black seeds in a small pod. When the seeds are mature, the conical capsule bursts open to release its contents. Sea Purslane is an extremely rapidly growing coastal groundcover or trailing vine with stems often rooting at the nodes. Salt tolerant, Sea Purslane is an important sand stabilizer and can tolerate occasional flooding by seawater. It is easy to grow and makes an undemanding ground cover for water-wise landscapes or seaside gardens. Sea Purslane can also be grown in containers, either as a textured spiller or a very long trailing hanging basket plant. 

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
• Thrives in sandy, dry, moist, or wet, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Tolerates flooding by salt water and drought once established. Virtually no irrigation or fertilizer is needed once the plant is established in the landscape.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by seed in spring or cuttings (end of summer).
• Found on all tropical and subtropical shores of both hemispheres comprising Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America.