Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Sesuvium verrucosum
Western Sea Purslane
The Sesuvium verrucosum, commonly known as the Western Sea Purslane, is a prostrate succulent perennial of saline flats and playa margins across the Americas. It forms a low mat of fleshy, spoon-shaped green leaves on reddish trailing stems, studded with small pink to purple star-shaped flowers.
It roots as it runs and closes ground quickly on saline sand, which makes it useful as a living surface treatment on sabkha margins and salt-affected beds. It is used for saline ground cover, erosion control and low-maintenance edge planting.
Specifications
- Height0.1 to 0.2 metres
- Width0.6 to 1.2 metres, spreading by rooting stems
- Native toWestern and central North America, Central America and South America, on saline flats and playa margins
- FoliageFleshy, spoon-shaped green succulent leaves on reddish trailing stems; evergreen in warm climates
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilAccepts saline, alkaline and sandy soils; tolerates periodic inundation and salt crusting
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established and able to use saline groundwater
- ClimateThrives in hot arid, semi-arid and coastal regions with saline soils
Additional Features
- FlowersSmall pink to purple star-shaped flowers scattered across the mat through the warm months
- UsesSaline ground cover, sabkha and lagoon margin planting, salt-affected beds, low erosion control on flat ground
- SpacingPlant 0.5 to 0.8 metres apart for a closed mat within one season
- Low MaintenanceNo mowing or pruning required; trim only at hard edges
- Pest ResistanceFree of significant pest and disease problems
- Salt ToleranceHigh salt tolerance, growing directly on saline flats where turf and conventional ground cover fail
- Drought ToleranceGood once established, with the succulent foliage carrying it through dry spells
- Erosion ControlRooting stems bind loose saline sand and reduce surface movement
The Western Sea Purslane closes saline ground quickly and cheaply, in a position where most ground cover simply will not establish.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026