Portulaca australis
Endl.
Inland pigweed
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) coenobita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by coenobita
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) coenobita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by coenobita
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) coenobita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by coenobita
Description
A herb. It has a tuberous root. The leaves are narrow and slightly flattened. They are small. They can be 1 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. The flowers are yellow to orange. They can be 1 cm across.
Edible Uses
The roots are roasted and eaten.
Traditional Uses
The roots are roasted and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Australia, East Timor, Kiribati, Micronesia, Pacific, Palau, SE Asia, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu,
Notes
There are about (40) 200 Portulaca species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Spotted Spurge
Euphorbia maculata
Hardyplants at English Wikipedia
Inland pigweed
Portulaca australis
(c) coenobita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by coenobita
Spotted Spurge: Milky white latex sap when broken, thinner leaves often with dark spot, prostrate growth, tiny flowers.
Inland pigweed: Clear sap, thick succulent leaves, reddish smooth stems, yellow flowers.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Me-mama, Te mtea
References (8)
- Bailey, F. M., 1913, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants. Queensland Government. p 49
- Cowie, I, 2006, A Survey of Flora and vegetation of the proposed Jaco-Tutuala-Lore National Park. Timor-Lests (East Timor) www.territorystories.nt/gov.au p 52
- Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 153
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 444
- Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 68
Show all 8 references Hide references
- Smith, K & I., 1999, Grow your own bushfoods. New Holland. Australia. p 72
- Thaman, R. R., 1987, Plants of Kiribati: A listing and analysis of vernacular names. Atoll Research Bulletin No. 296
- Thaman, R. R, 2016, The flora of Tuvalu. Atoll Research Bulletin No. 611. Smithsonian Institute p 107
