Jewels of Opar

Did you know

• The common name references Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional city of Opar, whose legendary jewels shimmer like this plant's translucent seed capsules.
• Tiny flowers open for only a few hours each day, usually in the afternoon, then the ruby-red seed beads persist for weeks.
• The succulent leaves and tuberous roots make it extremely drought-tolerant once established.
• In Southeast Asia the leaves are eaten as a cooked vegetable, similar to spinach, and the plant is cultivated as 'som khom.'
• It self-sows prolifically and can appear in sidewalk cracks and gravel paths, earning a reputation as a cheerful volunteer.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental garden accent
• edible leaves (cooked)
• dried arrangements
• container plant