Aizoon canariense

Purslane-leaved aizoon, Zulu spinach

Aizoaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds 1,706 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Aizoon canariense is a species of small leafy annual plant in the family Aizoaceae.

Description

A herb that lies along the ground. It can re-grow each year or continue to grow from year to year. The small branches are zig-zag. The leaves are hairy and taper to a short leaf stalk. The leaves are oval or spoon shaped and alternate. The edges of the leaves curl slightly upwards. The flowers are star shaped. They are in the axils of leaves and the forks of branches. The flowers are 3-8 mm across and do not have stalks.

Edible Uses

This plant is used as an edible herb.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten raw as salad. They are also cooked. The seeds are used for porridge and other cereal based dishes.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It will grow in Mediterranean and tropical climates. Zululand. In Bahrain it grows in sandy or gravelly soils. It can grow in arid places. It is salt tolerant.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, Bahrain, Canary Islands, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Iran, Kenya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, North Africa, Pakistan, Western Sahara, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Zimbabwe, Zululand,

Cultivation

A plant for arid and semi-arid areas of the tropics and subtropics. Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. The plant is often found growing in saline soils in the wild. A very variable plant.