Talinum paniculatum, sometimes known as Jewels-of-Opar, is a succulent subshrub native to North America and Central America. It bears tuberous roots and panicles of flowers and produces tiny, jewel-like fruits.The common name name is apparently taken from the title of a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar.
The chartreuse foliage has a soft appearance, giving this plant a delicate look. The individual flowers, on airy stalks, are small, but are nice massed together, especially with the red bead-like buds and fruits. A favorite with bees
The worn label identified the object of my curiosity as Talinum paniculatum, a pot herb indigenous to the West Indies and northern Africa, now naturalized in the southeastern U.S. The elements had rendered the plant's common name indiscernible; for me, this only added to its allure.
As fortune would have it, the Jewels of Opar were surrounded by a lunchtime crowd of admirers. I asked if anyone knew its common name. No one did, but an office worker volunteered that she dubbed it "commuter's plant" as the flowers didn't open until late afternoon as she headed to the subway for the long ride home.
