Inland pigweed, Buttercup Pigface
Portulaca intraterranea
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
A herb which grows for one or two years. It lies along the ground and spreads 20-40 cm wide. The stems are fleshy. The leaves are 1-2 cm long by 0.1-0.3 cm wide. They are broad sword shaped. They are green or bronze. They are fleshy. The flowers are 2.5-3.5 cm across and yellow. They occur as 3-4 flowers together. The capsules are 0.5 cm long. The seeds are greyish-black.
There are about 200 Portulaca species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
It grows in inland regions in Australia on sandhills and clay pans. It suits places with a hot dry climate. It requires a well drained soil and sunny position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The root needs to be cooked before eating. The above ground parts can be eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Leaves, root, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Large pigweed