About Sesuvium revolutifolium Ortega
Taxon Identification
This entry is for the species Sesuvium revolutifolium Ortega. The description provided actually matches Sesuvium portulacastrum, which is a vine that grows up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) high, with thick, smooth stems that can reach up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) long.
Leaf Morphology
It produces smooth, fleshy, glossy green leaves that are shaped linear or lanceolate. Leaves measure 1–7 centimeters (0.39–2.76 inches) long, and 0.5–2 centimeters (0.20–0.79 inches) wide.
Flower Bud Location
Flower buds develop from the plant's leaf axils.
Mature Flower Characteristics
The mature flowers are small, reaching 0.5 centimeters (0.20 inches) in diameter, and are pink or purple in color. Flowers close at night or on cloudy days.
Pollinators
Bees and moths act as pollinators for this plant.
Fruit and Seed Traits
The fruit is a round capsule that contains tiny black seeds which do not float.
Fatty Acid Composition
In chemical and medicinal studies, the fatty acid composition of the plant has been recorded as: palmitic acid (31.18%), oleic acid (21.15%), linolenic acid (14.18%), linoleic acid (10.63%), myristic acid (6.91%), and behenic acid (2.42%).
Biological Activities of Extracts
Extracts from this plant have demonstrated antibacterial and anticandidal activities, along with moderate antifungal activity.
