Jewels of Opar
Talinum paniculatum
Related to the common garden ‘weed’ purslane, jewels of opar has succulent edible leaves that are quite delicious in salads and sandwiches, and hold up in hot weather when other greens wilt. It produces 3’ tall stems of tiny hot pink flowers followed by carmine-colored seed pods. Historically, the roots and leaves of this plant have been used to treat lung diseases and as an aphrodisiac.
Water: Drought tolerant for several weeks at a time
Hardiness: Not frost tender, but dies to the ground in Winter
Habit: A succulent erect perennial to 3' tall
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Does best in well-draining, sandy soil but can tolerate poor soil
Origin: Much of North and South America, and the Caribbean countries
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Jewels of Opar