The Cocos Islands and Christmas Island are two properties making up the Australian Indian Ocean Territories. The Cocos Islands, also known as the Keeling Islands, have been administrated by Australia since 1955. The archipelago consists of two atolls with about 25 islands; only two of the islands are inhabited.
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Sesuvium portulacastrum - Shoreline purslane is a perennial herb commonly found growing throughout the sandy shores of the world. It can thrive in nutrient poor soils and areas subjected to regular salt water flooding. Considered an invasive species in some regions, this plant serves as a soil stabilizer in areas void of other vegetation. The fleshy leaves, although salty, are edible and provide a rich source of vitamin C. The plant remains in bloom year round, but the five-petal flowers, light purple, pink, and white, are not large or conspicuous.
