Sesuvium portulacastrum (Sea Purslane)

 

 

 

This fleshy sprawling herb is used elsewhere as a vegetable and sold in the markets.  Its succulent leaves have been used as a source of water by stranded fishermen.  It is also used medicinally as a remedy for fever and scurvy.  Because it often forms mats, it is an excellent binder of sand against movement by wind and waves.

 

 

 

UVI Wetlands Reserve Plants

 

 

This page was created by K. Garland, and was last updated 12-18-01.