Portulaca oleracea

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Portulaca oleracea

Portulaca oleracea (pronunciation: por-tu-LAK-a oh-ler-AY-see-uh), also known as purslane, is a succulent annual plant that is considered both a weed and a beneficial edible plant. The name is derived from the Latin words portula, meaning "little gate", referring to the lid of the plant's capsule, and oleracea, meaning "vegetable/herbal" in Latin and "edible" in English.

Description

Portulaca oleracea is a low-growing plant with a sprawling habit. It has succulent leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is known for its ability to thrive in poor, dry soils.

Distribution and Habitat

Portulaca oleracea is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It has naturalized worldwide and is found in many different habitats, including gardens, fields, and disturbed sites.

Uses

Portulaca oleracea has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, skin conditions, and infections.

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