by Siti Farhana Maidin
This article is another instalment in our series, Know Your Park Lands Plants, where we introduce you to the myriad of species that populate your Adelaide Park Lands. Today, we look at common purslane, also known as ‘pigweed’.
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent annual plant that is found in various habitats, including parks and gardens.
It’s a hardy species, recognised for its fleshy, vibrant green leaves and small, yellow flowers, making it a distinctive part of the local flora.
Photo: María Eugenia Mendiola González/iNaturalist.
Appearance
Leaves: The leaves of common purslane are smooth, fleshy, oval-shaped, and grow up to 4cm long. They are arranged alternately along the stem.
Stems: The stems are a thick, reddish-green, and can grow up to 30cm long. They can often be seen trailing along the ground.
Flowers: The small, cup-shaped, yellow flowers bloom during the warmer months, usually from spring to autumn.
Habitat
Common purslane thrives in well-drained, sandy or disturbed soils, making it a common sight in Adelaide’s parks, gardens, and roadsides.
It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought, making South Australia its ideal home.
Photo: Josef Wirth/iNaturalist.
Adelaide Park Lands locations
Common purslane can be found in areas with disturbed soil or open spaces. Some parts of your Park Lands where you might spot common purslane include:
Adelaide Botanic Garden (Park 11): Known for its diverse plant species, you may find purslane among other native and exotic plants.
Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16): This large park features a mix of lawns and natural areas where common purslane can thrive.
Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14): With its well-maintained gardens and open spaces, common purslane can often grow in the more natural areas.
Ecological role
Purslane is beneficial for local ecosystems as it provides ground cover, which helps prevent soil erosion.
Its dense growth can suppress the growth of weeds. In addition, it serves as a food source for various insects and small animals, contributing to the biodiversity of park ecosystems here in Adelaide.
Uses in food
Common purslane is also edible and is considered a nutritious leafy green. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. In culinary traditions, it can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes.
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr/iNaturalist.
The Aboriginal connection
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) has played a significant role in the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia, including the Kaurna people of the Adelaide region. Its uses have been:
A food source. Common purslane is known for its succulent leaves and mild, slightly tangy flavor. Aboriginal people often foraged for this nutritious green, incorporating it into their diets.
Medicine. Beyond its culinary applications, common purslane has been valued for its medicinal properties. Aboriginal people traditionally used the plant to treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves were sometimes applied to wounds or used in poultices.
Cultural practices. The knowledge surrounding common purslane and its uses has passed down through generations, reflecting the importance of sustainable harvesting and the deep understanding of local ecosystems.
Photo: Josef Wirth/iNaturalist.
Common purslane is more than just a common weed in your Adelaide Park Lands. It is a plant with a rich history, rooted in Aboriginal culture.
Want to know more about the plants in your Park Lands? Head over to iNaturalist where you can record, share and discuss your findings with fellow naturalists.
See the other plants featured in this series here:
https://www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/know-your-park-lands-plants
Main photo: Kat Halsey/iNaturalist.
