Rose Moss

Portulaca grandiflora

Physical Characteristics

Portulaca grandiflora is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil. Occasionally established in S. and S.C. Europe.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[105, 161, 177]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used in soups etc, or can be added to cereals[105, 161, 177]. The seed is very small and fiddly to utilize. Root - cooked[177].

Medicinal Uses

Depurative Eczema The entire plant is depurative[176]. It is used in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver with ascites, swelling and pain in the pharynx[176]. The fresh juice of the leaves and stems is applied externally as a lotion to snake and insect bites, burns, scalds and eczema[176, 238].

Known Hazards

None known