Trianthema portulacastrum L.

Species Identification and Growth Form

Trianthema portulacastrum L. is an annual herb that grows as a prostrate mat or clump, with stems reaching up to one meter in length.

Plant Color and Hair Characteristics

The plant ranges in color from green to red, is fleshy, and mostly hairless, with only small lines of hairs located near its leaves.

Leaf Morphology

Its leaves have small round or oval blades that grow up to 4 centimeters long, attached to short petioles.

Flower Structure

Solitary flowers grow in the leaf axils; these flowers have no petals, but instead feature purple petal-like sepals.

Fruit Shape and Size

The fruit is a curved, cylindrical capsule that emerges from the stem, reaching up to half a centimeter in length.

Capsule Structural Features

Two erect, pointed wings sit at the top of the capsule, where it opens.

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

Seed dispersal happens in several ways: a single seed may be carried by the detached cap of the fruit, which can float on water. Other seeds may fall out of the remaining portion of the fruit, or remain on the plant after it dies and withers, to resprout the following growing season.