Jewels of Opar
Talinum paniculatum
Family: Talinaceae
Almost succulent-like perennial with tuberous roots. Flowers with bright pink flowers July through September. May reseed with vigor. This species is usually pink in Arizona, but in other regions it can be yellow or even red. The foliage is low-growing but the flowers may pop up several feet.
Full sun, moderate water with good drainage. Root hardy to 20°F. Nectar-rich flowers.
This entire plant is edible.
Photo by Liz Makings, SEINET
Talinum paniculatum on iNaturalist
Talinum comes from Greek thaleia, for full of bloom, while paniculatum means with panicles. There are 16 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Indian subcontinent, and Myanmar.
This species is found in moist to dry habitats in woodlands and savannas, desert scrub and grasslands, in grassy soil and crevices, in open and often in shade, 2,500-5,500 ft. in southern and southwestern United States, and continuing all the way down to South America.