Portulaca napiformis

F. Muell ex Benth.

Portulacaceae Edible: Root, Seeds

Has toxic lookalike — see comparison below

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Description

A succulent herb in the Portulacaceae family that grows 5-8 cm high with yellow flowers. It grows in tropical places on gravel, sand, or rocky sandstone ridges.

Edible Uses

The roots and seeds are eaten.

Distribution

It grows in tropical places. It grows on gravel, sand or rocky sandstone ridges.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Grows wild in well-drained, gravel or sandy soils.

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.

TOXIC

Spotted Spurge

Euphorbia maculata

Hardyplants at English Wikipedia

Safe

Portulaca napiformis

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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

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

Also Known As

Karedilla

References (5)

Bailey, F. M., 1913, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants. Queensland Government. p 49
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 164
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 153
Kenneally, K.E., Edinger, D. C., and Willing T., 1996, Broome and Beyond, Plants and People of the Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley, Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management. p 167
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 463