Belonging to the genus Calandrinia (also known as the parakeelyas), Australia has some 40 species of the 150 species worldwide, of which Central Australia and the Northern Territory have 11 species.

The following images appear to be the Tiny Purslane (Calandrinia pumila) found at the Ilparpa Claypans, south of Alice Springs. This ephemeral clay pan continues to be filled with water after the significant rainfall at the beginning of 2010, with more rain through the months leading into September.

It is a small delicate fleshy looking plant with mostly basal leaves, that vary from green to pink in colour. The flowers are approximately 3 to 5 mm across, on stems up to 10 cm long, and with 5 to 6 petals.