Water purslane
Lythrum portula

Family: Lythraceae

What it is like

A low herb often lie along the ground. It creeps. It is an annual plant and hairless. The stems form roots at the nodes. The leaves are opposite and fleshy. They are oval and taper to a short stalk. The flowers are purple and small. They are 1-2 mm across. They occur singly at the base of the leaves. They have 6 petals.

There are 38 Lythrum species.

Where it is found

It grows in wet open places. It is often in muddy soil and near pools and streams. It is mostly on acid soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Britain, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten in salads.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Peplis portula Linn.;