Redmaids, Purple calandrina
Calandrinia ciliata

Family: Montiaceae

What it is like

A succulent annual herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It usually lies along the ground. It grows 30 cm high and 50 cm wide. The stems can be 25 cm long. They are low and branching. The leaves are greyish-green and hairy. The flowers are purple fading to white. They are at the ends of branches. The seeds are black.

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

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It does best in a light, moist, rich soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is drought and frost tender. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,500 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Ecuador (country/location of origin), El Salvador, Mexico, North America, Peru (country/location of origin), South America, Tasmania, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, seeds - oil

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Fringed redmaids

Synonyms

Calandrinia arizonica Rydb.; Talinum ciliatum Ruiz & Pav.; and many others