Many stamen horse purslane
Zaleya decandra

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is succulent and lies along the ground. The stems are long, angular and branched. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide and unequal. The flowers are 4 mm across and without petals. They are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a 4 seeded capsule. It is 4.5 mm long. It has a cap that opens releasing the seeds. The seeds are kidney shaped and 1.5 mm across.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows near Mumbai. It grows in wet places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Timor

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Famine food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Harvested leaves can only be stored for a few days.

Its other names

Local names

Bhadurai keerai, Bilikommae, Charanai, Gaija soppu, Ghetuli, Gadabani, Koni dagu, Maha sarana, Pasalai, Tella garjala, Thellagalijeru, Vellai-shaaranai, Vellaisharunnai

Synonyms

Trianthema decandra L.; Zaleija decandra (L.) Burm.f.;