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Flowers of Zihuatanejo

Common Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Flowers by Colour

-Plants (Kingdom Plantae)

-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)

-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)

-Dicots (Class Magnoliopsida)

-Pinks, Cactuses, and Allies (Order Caryophyllales)

-Purslane Family (Family Portulacaceae)

-Purslanes (Genus Portulaca)

-Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)


Common Purslane is a fast-growing herbaceous annual with succulent leaves and stems. It is considered quite nutritious because it is unusually high in omega-3 fatty acids and contains significant amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium and antioxidants. Some other common names include garden purslane, little hogweed, pusley, and wild portulaca. It’s called verdolaga in Mexico. The ¼ – ½ inch wide yellow flowers have five notched petals, numerous yellow stamens, and several pistils that are bunched together in the center.

Description

  • Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as common purslane or little hogweed, is a low-growing, succulent annual herb in the purslane family (Portulacaceae).

  • It has smooth, reddish to green, fleshy stems that spread along the ground and form dense mats.

  • The leaves are small, thick, and fleshy, usually oval to spoon-shaped, with rounded tips. They are arranged alternately or in clusters along the stems.

  • The small flowers are yellow, with five petals, and typically open in bright sunlight.

  • The fruits are small capsules containing numerous tiny, dark seeds.

  • The plant is edible, with a slightly sour, salty flavour, and its leaves and stems are used in salads and cooked dishes in many parts of the world.

Range

  • Probably originated in the Old World, although its native range remains debated because of its long history of cultivation and dispersal.

  • Now widespread throughout tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide.

  • It occurs in Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area, where it commonly grows as a naturalized or weedy plant.

Habitat

  • Grows in disturbed and open habitats, including gardens, agricultural fields, roadsides, footpaths, vacant lots, and cultivated ground.

  • Prefers sunny locations and well-drained soils but tolerates drought, heat, and compacted ground.

  • Often thrives in nutrient-rich soils and can persist in dry environments because its succulent leaves and stems store water.

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