A visually dominant plant growing on Plaza Sur is the Galápagos carpetweed. From January through April, the fleshy leaves are green with delicate white, star-shaped flowers. During the cool arid season, this perennial herb blossoms into incredible shades of orange and red. Scientists call them Sesuvium edmonstonei. They are named in part for Thomas Edmonston, a 19th century naturalist. The plant’s seeds are an important source of food.
