Trianthema monogyna, L. (T. obcordata, Roxb.; Portulaca toston and axiflora, Blanco.) NOM. VULG.—Toston, Tag.; Alusiman, Ayam, Vis.

USES.—This plant is edible, the natives eating it boiled, fried or in salad. The root is cathartic and is used powdered.

Botanical Description.—A plant with prostrate stems, radiating branches.

Leaves ensheathing the stem, opposite, oval, red-bordered, glabrous. Petioles with 2 stipules at the base and 2 small teeth near the middle. Flowers axillary, solitary, sessile. Calyx, 2 pointed sepals. Corolla, 5 oval petals. Stamens 15–20.

Style simple. Seed vessels inversely pyramidal, dehiscence horizontal. Seeds numerous.

HABITAT.—Very common in the rice fields. Blooms in January.