Sesuvium maritimum (Walter) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.

Species Classification and Growth Form

Sesuvium maritimum is a succulent herb that can grow up to 30 cm tall.

Leaf Arrangement and Dimensions

It has an opposite or sub-opposite leaf arrangement made up of simple, oblanceolate or linear fleshy leaves that measure around 1–2.5 cm long and 1–5 mm wide.

Leaf Surface Texture

Its leaves can be smooth and glabrous, or rarely minutely papillose, with dozens of fleshy projections called papillae.

Leaf Apex and Margin

Leaf apexes can be rounded, acute, or obtuse, and leaf margins are entire.

Flower Shape and Petal Structure

Flowers of this species are actinomorphic, with 4–5 fused petals that form a cup-like structure.

Sepal Characteristics

Sepals are 2–3 mm long and attached near the top of the calyx tube.

Reproductive Floral Parts

Each flower contains 5 usually pink stamens and a partially inferior ovary, and inflorescences are white or pink.

General Habitat Range

This plant is most commonly found in coastal regions.

North American Coastal Distribution

Its distribution runs along the southeastern coast of North America from as far north as Rhode Island, through coastal eastern US states including Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Broader Global Distribution

It has also been recorded in Kansas and Oklahoma, and extends south to southern Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Bahamas, and other surrounding islands.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Historically, this sea purslane was used medicinally to treat scurvy and venomous wounds.

Coastal Ecosystem Role

It is also one of several plant species that helps prevent coastal erosion.