Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Family: Portulacaceae
Creeping annual. Native to Europe. The Purslane is best
used as a salad herb, being one of the only terrestrial sources of omega-3
fatty acids. The plant contains much calcium, iron, vitamin A and
C as well as potassium salts and amino acids. Purslane has medicinal
qualities as well, having been highly regarded as an antiscurvy herb by
the Puritans. Cultivation: Easy. Seed germ. readily
in warm soils. Likes deep watering several times per week.
Prefers rich soils where the water puddles up, then drains. Plant
1 foot apart. Grows 6 inches.
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