Yellow purslane
Portulaca lutea
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
A herb that lies along the ground. It can be 15-30 cm high. The stems are red. The leaves are 25 mm long by 15 mm wide. The flower petals are yellow. They are in groups of 1-3. The fruit is pale yellow. It has a cap that splits off. There are many tiny black seeds.
There are about 200 Portulaca species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They are common on atolls. It grows near sea level on sand or coral beaches. It grows from sea level to 40 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Pacific, Pitcairn, Polynesia, Rotuma, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Tuvalu, USA
How it is used for food
It is eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. It can also be grown from tip cuttings 5-10 cm long. These form roots in about 2 weeks.
Its other names
Local names
Kiran, Pacific pigweed, Paka loa noa, Pokea, Po'ea, Purya, Tamole, Te boi
Synonyms
Portulaca fosbergii Poelin. var. substellata Poelin.;