Portulaca tuberosa
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
A herb. It lies along the ground and keeps growing from year to year. It branches and is fleshy. The branches are 4-15 cm long and 2-3 mm wide. The roots have tubers. They are 5-8 cm long. The leaves are alternate and do not have stalks. They are 8-14 mm long by 1-1.5 mm wide.
There are about 200 Portulaca species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in rocky areas. In India it is use in western Rajasthan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka
How it is used for food
The roots are eaten raw. It is eaten as a pot herb.
Edible parts
Leaves, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bodda kura, Jabgli gajar, Kangli gajar, Laniya, Lunak, Safed mushali, Safed musli