5 things I bet you didn’t know about Purslane

I have this pretty little hanging plant out on my back deck bright reddish-pink flowers. I can’t remember where it came from, but it’s still alive after all my busy summer traveling, so I figure it’s going to be around a while longer. Usually I forget to water plants, they die and that’s the end of that… ask my recently purchased grape plant how it liked my front porch for 2 days.

Purslane flower

I took this photo just a few days ago and then realized I had no idea what this plant was. After merely reading the tag that was still attached, 3 months later, I learned this is a purslane plant. Up until 5 minutes ago I had no idea what that ment. Apparently it’s a very useful plant with all kinds of great benefits other that it’s pretty flowers and ability to withstand drought.

Here’s what I learned about purslane:

• Purslanes are used as an herbal remedy in Chinese Medicine.
• Purslane plants are edible – leaves, stems, flowers and all. (No, I didn’t take a taste yet).
• Purslane is or was widely used in Greece.
• Purslane makes a great companion plant because it create a ground cover that helps keep moisture in for other plants.
• Purslane is also commonly considered an herb and used in various traditions such as the Japanese new year ritual.

And I just thought it was a pretty plant. It’s listed as an annual on the tag, so I don’t think I’ll try to plant it before it snows. It has more potential at a future living in my kitchen for the next 8 months or so.