Family: Aizoaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Sesuvium verrucosum (western purslane, verrucose sea purslane) is a low-growing, succulent perennial native to the western and central United States and Mexico. It is well adapted to hot, dry, and saline environments, commonly occurring in coastal habitats, salt flats, disturbed sites, and other open areas. The plant forms spreading mats of fleshy stems and leaves and produces small pink to purple flowers. Because of its tolerance to drought, poor soils, and salt spray, it has been used as a groundcover, for erosion control, and in landscape plantings in challenging coastal environments.

Risks & Threats
Western purslane is naturalized on Oʻahu and is potentially naturalizing on Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, tolerance of harsh environmental conditions, and the ability to spread into disturbed and coastal habitats. These characteristics increase its potential to establish self-sustaining populations and compete with native vegetation, particularly in sensitive coastal and dryland ecosystems. As a result, Sesuvium verrucosum could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems by altering plant communities and reducing habitat quality for native species. Given these risks, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative when suitable options are available. In areas where this species is already established, its use should be carefully managed and avoided in locations where it is not yet widespread to help minimize further spread and ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in temperate and tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Molokai, Maui) and the Arabian Peninsula (Bahrain; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates)
  
• Other Sesuvium species are weeds
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively from root suckers (observed in greenhouse)
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to reach maturity in <1 year (but typically perennial)
  
• Likely dispersed by water due to proximity to aquatic environments
  
• Intentionally cultivated by people (limited)

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of negative impacts (although no evidence of widespread cultivation)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Edible to animals and people
  
• Requires full sun