Portulaca johnii
Poellnitz
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Didier Descouens
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Didier Descouens
Description
A tropical herb in the Portulacaceae family with edible leaves. It is common on all atolls.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It is common on all atolls.
Where It Grows
French Polynesia, Kiribati, Pacific, Tuamotu,
Notes
There are about 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
Portulaca johnii
Portulaca johnii
Wikimedia Commons - Didier Descouens
Spotted Spurge: Milky white latex sap when broken, thinner leaves often with dark spot, prostrate growth, tiny flowers.
Portulaca johnii: Clear sap, thick succulent leaves, reddish smooth stems, yellow flowers.
References (2)
- Barrau, J., 1976, Subsistence Agriculture in Polynesia and Micronesia. Bernice P. Bishop Museu, Bulletin 223 Honolulu Hawaii. Kraus reprint. p 58
- Massal, E. and Barrau, J., 1973, Food Plants of the South Sea Islands. SPC Technical Paper No 94. Nounea, New Caledonia. p 35
