Portulaca quadrifolia

Portulacaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds

Has toxic lookalike — see comparison below

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MBG

Description

A succulent herb. It grows from seeds each year. It lies along the ground. The stems branch many times. The leaves do not have leaf stalks and are small and simple. They are thick, red and fleshy. It attaches to the ground by roots.

Edible Uses

The whole plant is boiled and eaten, or sometimes only the leaves are consumed. The seeds are used to make flour.

Traditional Uses

The whole plant is boiled and eaten. Sometimes only leaves are eaten. The seeds are used to make flour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Ethiopia it grows in lowland areas is disturbed sites. It can tolerate drought.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Kenya,

Cultivation

Plants can grow from seed or from plant sections. It can easily be grown by cuttings.

Notes

It can become a weed pest.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

TOXIC

Spotted Spurge

Euphorbia maculata

Hardyplants at English Wikipedia

Safe

Portulaca quadrifolia

MBG

Spotted Spurge: Milky white latex sap when broken, thinner leaves often with dark spot, prostrate growth, tiny flowers.

Portulaca quadrifolia: Clear sap, thick succulent leaves, reddish smooth stems, yellow flowers.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Leaves	89	111	27	2.5	—	—	—	—

Also Known As

Bhui chavli, Churqale, Durqalle, Kenyinyia, Marayita, Mereita, Muqaza, Obwanda

References (6)

Guil-Guerrero, J. L., et al, 2001, Edible Wild Plants. in Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants Vol. 8 Sci. Tech publishing, Texas
Guinand, Y., & Lemessa, D., 2000, Wild-food Plants in Southern Ethiopia. University of Pennsylvania - African Studies Center. UN-EUE Addis Ababa.
Johns, T., and Kokwaro, J.O., 1991, Food Plants of the Luo of Siayo District, Kenya. Economic Botany 45(1), pp 103-113
Lulekal, E., et al, 2011, Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on their potential to combat food insecurity. Afrika Focus - Vol. 24, No 2. pp 71-121
Mutie, F. G., 2020, Conservation of Wild Food Plants and Their Potential for Combatting Food Insecurity in Kenya as Exemplified by the Drylands of Kitui County. Plants 2020, 9, 1017

Show all 6 references