An annual plant, this spreading, low-growing, succulent weed often invades open ground. It had paddle shaped fleshy leaves, reddish stems and tiny yellow flowers that are followed by pointed seed capsules. The seeds inside are tiny and black and highly nutritious. Australian Aborigines ground the seeds and made them into loaves. They also used the leaves as a source of Vitamin C. The leaves have a sharp and slightly salty taste. The plant has been used in the Mediterranean from ancient times as a gelatinous vegetable and a medicinal plant. It is particularly popular in Greece where it is known as glistrida.
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