Sea Purselane © Eric Schmield
Sea purslane, or sea pickle, is a member of the carpetweed family and is commonly found in the mangroves of south Florida. Its stem and leaves are edible but
salty. In some areas, like Asia, it is grown and sold in markets. Medicinal
uses include curing scurvy and kidney disorders. They bloom for the entire year.
They have tiny star shaped flowers with no petals, but they have greenish sepals
and a pink interior, making them appear dainty and delicate. It is about 6 inches
long. Their leaves resemble the shape of a paddle or perhaps a spoon. The leaves
are .5 inches to 2 inches long, are fleshy, and have smooth surfaces. Leaves
are green with occasional red. The leaf bases are 'winged'. The red, fleshy
stems are 8-20 inches long. The branches that come off the step are placed sparingly.
As was said, they can be found in mangroves, but also beaches, salt flats, dunes,
and marsh edges.
- Florida Museum of Natural History. "Coastal Prairies: native Flora."
- http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/southflorida/everglades/coastalprairie/flora.html
- University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation. "Florida Forest Plants: Sea Purselane."
- http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Sea_purslane/seapursl.htm
