Forms a dense carpet

Talinum paniculatum Jewels of Opar is a succulent subshrub native to North America and Central America. It bears tuberous roots and panicles of flowers. Plants to 15 cm in moist to most habitats. Native of southern-western United States, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America. Introduced in southern Africa, southern Asia and Australia. Weedy in the United States east of the Mississippi. Stems sometimes reddish, slender. Leaves to 12 cm, reduced abruptly beneath inflorescence; blade elliptic to obovate, base attenuate. Flowers and fruits in summer. Inflorescences paniculate, sometimes nodding. Once established it quickly spreads and forms a dense carpet outcompeting the more delicate native species. 

Photo: Robert Whyte

Flowers and fruit. Photo: Robert Whyte