Red Maids
Calandrinia menziesii

Family: Montiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stem is low and the branches are trailing. The leaves are narrow. They are 6 cm long. They are sticky and fleshy. The flowers are bright red. They are in leafy groups at the ends of branches. These are 8 cm long.

There are between 50-100 Calandrinia species. It has also been put in the family Portulacaceae.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is best in light to medium well-drained soils. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Possibly now Calandrinia ciliata var. menziensii;