: Provides essential habitat and nutrition for wildlife, including marine iguanas in the Galapagos and various butterfly species.
: The succulent leaves can be eaten raw in salads, cooked as a potherb, or pickled. Its seeds are high in protein and oil—similar to safflower oil—and can even be popped like popcorn.
: Traditionally used in folk medicine to treat conditions such as gout, eczema, and rheumatism.