Sesuvium portulacastrum

Starr 080602-5547 Sesuvium portulacastrum

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AIZOACEAE Sesuvium portulacastrum L, INMA (MBML048406)

Sesuvium portulacastrum, commonly known as sea purslane, is a species of flowering plant in the Aizoaceae family, which is often found in coastal areas around the world. This succulent plant is notable for its ability to thrive in salty environments, making it an important species in coastal ecology and habitat restoration projects.

Description

Sesuvium portulacastrum is a perennial groundcover that can spread extensively with its fleshy, green to reddish stems. The leaves are thick, succulent, and cylindrical, ranging from 1 to 5 cm in length. This plant produces small, pink to purple flowers throughout the year, which are followed by seed capsules containing tiny seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Sesuvium portulacastrum is found in a wide range of coastal habitats, including salt marshes, sandy shores, and mangroves. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its ability to tolerate high levels of salt and its efficiency in binding sandy soils make it an invaluable species in preventing soil erosion and in stabilizing dunes.

Ecological Role

The ecological role of Sesuvium portulacastrum is significant. It serves as a pioneer species in disturbed or newly formed habitats, where it can quickly establish and stabilize the soil, facilitating the colonization of other plant species. Additionally, it provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects. Its dense growth can also help to reduce evaporation from the soil surface, conserving moisture in arid coastal environments.

Uses

Beyond its ecological importance, Sesuvium portulacastrum has various uses. It is edible, with the leaves being consumed either raw or cooked in some cultures. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, having been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. In landscaping, it is valued for its drought tolerance and is used in gardens and public spaces to create groundcover in areas with poor, saline soils.

Conservation

While Sesuvium portulacastrum is not currently listed as endangered, its habitat is increasingly threatened by coastal development, pollution, and climate change-related sea level rise. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting natural habitats and utilizing the plant in coastal restoration projects to combat erosion and habitat degradation.