Sea Purslane

Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 20cm
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Sea Purslane Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name:Sesuvium portulacastrum

A sprawling perennial herb that grows in coastal areas throughout much of the world. It is also commonly known as shoreline purslane.

It has smooth, fleshy, glossy green leaves that are linear or lanceolate, from 10–70 millimetres thick and reddish-green stems, branching regularly forming dense low-growing stands up to about 30cm high with a spread of up to 2m. During the warmer months of the year (year-long in some areas) it produces 5 petalled pink flowers to 10mm followed by seed capsules containing back seeds.

Growing Conditions

sea purslane will grow in sandy clay, coastal limestone and sandstone, tidal flats and salt marshes. It prefers full sun but will grow in part shade. Its waxy stems and leaves retard water loss and stand up to wind and salt spray.

Culinary Uses

Sea purslane has a fleshy texture and salty taste. Blanch or steam the leaves to lighten the salty taste. It only needs a short cooking time or it will lose its nutrients and it can become bitter.

Use the raw leaves as an edible garnish on fish, meat or steamed vegetables. The stems and leaves can be made into pickle either on its own or with other vegetables.

Medicinal Uses

In folk medicine, sea purslane has been used to treat a variety of conditions and disorders, from fever and kidney problems to leprosy, toothaches, and scurvy.

High in vitamin C and has a good fatty acid profile. A study of the plant extract showed antibacterial and anticandidal activities and moderate antifungal activity.

Sea purslane is a rich source of ecdysterone, a naturally occurring steroid, reported to enhance athletic performance.

Other uses

Ecologically, sea purslane plays an important role as a “pioneer” species on beaches, and it’s currently used extensively in dune restoration projects. Attracts bees and other insects.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.