Commonly called as red root,pursley,verdolaga etc.It has smooth ,reddish,mostly prostrate stems and the leaves which may be alternate or opposite are clustered at stem joints and ends.The flowers are five regular parts and are up to 6mm wide.Depending upon rainfall,the flowers appear at any time during the year.It may be used fresh as a salad ,stir fried or cooked as spinach ,is and because of its mucilaginous quality it also is suitable for soups and stews .The sour taste is due to oxalic and malic acid.