Claytonia perfoliata

Claytonia perfoliata, commonly known as Spring Beauty, is a succulent annual herb in the Montiaceae family and the Claytonia genus, native to the western part of North America. It is a herbaceous, invasive plant. The plant is also known by various other names, including Winter Purslane and Erimaki Hacobe, and is scientifically referred to as Claytonia perfoliata.

In its native habitat, it grows in the shaded sandy areas of mountainous and coastal regions.

The plant grows to a height of 10-40 cm. The stem is green, unbranched, and features perforated leaves. The leaves form a rosette at the base, with long petioles. These fleshy, hairless leaves are green and are 0.5-4 cm in length.

From March to June, it produces a racemose inflorescence with several small, white or pink five-petaled flowers, each 0.2-0.6 cm in length. These flowers bloom above the leaves. The entire plant (except the roots) is edible, rich in Vitamin C and minerals. The seeds, which are black, appear in June.

Uses: The plant is used as an edible vegetable (particularly in salads) and is also grown as a potted ornamental plant.

Etymology:
The Japanese name ツキヌキヌマハコベ (Tsukinuki Numahakobe) comes from the plant's characteristic perforated leaves, which are common among plants in the Montiaceae family. The genus name Claytonia honors the 18th-century American botanist John Clayton. The species name perfoliata refers to the characteristic of having perforated leaves.

Summary:
Scientific Name: Claytonia perfoliata
Common Names: Spring Beauty, Winter Purslane, Erimaki Hacobe
Family: Montiaceae, Genus: Claytonia
Native to: Western North America, grows in shaded sandy areas of mountainous and coastal regions
Height: 10-40 cm
Leaves: Green, fleshy, hairless, form a rosette, 0.5-4 cm in length
Flowering Season: March-June, white or pink flowers, 0.2-0.6 cm, five petals
Harvest: Edible as a vegetable, especially in salads, also used as a potted plant
Seed Color: Black (produced in June)

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