Never uproot this plant if it appears in your garden.

parts of the world.

At first glance, purslane may look like an ordinary weed. But this small plant has a long history as a food and traditional medicinal herb. It is especially recognizable for its smooth, succulent stems and leaves, which allow it to retain water and survive hot, relatively dry conditions.

Purslane is scientifically known as Portulaca oleracea. Depending on the region, it may have several local or traditional names. However, common names can vary considerably from one country to another, so the scientific name is the safest way