Sesuvium edmonstonei Hook.fil.

Growth Habit

Sesuvium edmonstonei is a low-growing perennial plant. Its stems are fleshy, covered in scales, and sometimes become woody at the base.

Leaf Characteristics

This species has succulent, simple, entire leaves that grow in opposite pairs; the leaves are oblanceolate in shape and reach up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in length.

Flower Structure

Flowers develop in the leaf axils: each flower has a five-lobed white calyx, no petals, and numerous stamens.

Fruit and Seed Traits

After flowering, the plant produces ovoid, lidded capsules that contain black seeds with wrinkled cuticles.

Seasonal Coloration

During the cool season, the plant develops orange and red coloration.

Distribution

This succulent is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where it occurs on Darwin Island, Española Island, Fernandina Island, Floreana Island, Genovesa Island, Isabela Island, Rábida Island, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island and Wolf Island.

Habitat

It grows in spreading sheet-like colonies across both rocky and sandy ground.