Purslane is a low-maintenance succulent commonly grown as an annual. This plant flowers from the late spring through late summer are often grown as ground cover in landscape beds or a spiller in containers. Purslane does not suffer from many diseases and is a relatively healthy plant. However, Purslane is susceptible to some conditions.
Purslane White Rust
Rust is a term used to describe fungal diseases in plants. White rust is a fungus-like disease that affects Purslane. This fast-moving disease can quickly overtake a plant.
Identifying White Rust
White rust on Purslane first appears as yellow spots that transition to chalky-white raised blisters. These spots stand out against the green foliage. The leaves also appear wilted and lighter in color than usual.
Treating White Rust
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for white rust on Purslane. Once a plant is infected, there is no way to cure it. The disease can spread so quickly that an entire plant can easily fall victim. The only treatment available is to remove and destroy the plant. Removing the infected Purslane will help prevent the spread and protect nearby plants.
Purslane Botrytis
Botrytis, also known as gray mold or blight, is a fungal disease that affects Purslane. Purslane thrives in warm, sunny weather, and as a succulent, this plant likes to dry out between watering. Plants exposed to cool, damp spring weather, followed by cool summer weather, are likely to develop botrytis. The foliage, stems, and flowers can be affected.
Identifying Botrytis
Botrytis appears as brown spots that develop gray spores. The plant will be covered in a furry, gray fungus as the disease spreads.
Treating Botrytis
Botrytis in Purslane can be treated by removing infected areas immediately. Move the plant to a spot that receives direct sunlight and allow the soil to dry out before watering. Only water the plant in the morning and water the soil, keeping the plant as dry as possible. The plant will have to be destroyed if botrytis spreads.
Purslane Disease Chart
Disease | Identifying | Treating |
White Rust | Raised, white spots on leaves | Discard the entire plant |
Botrytis | Brown spots and later gray mold | Remove affected plant, increase sunlight |
Sources:
"Purslane."Prairie View A&M University.pvamu.edu
"White Rust on Portulaca."Electronic Grower Resources Online.e-gro.org
FAQs
Native people have also used Purslane medicinally. Diné people used it for stomach issues while Puebloan people used it as an antiseptic wash. In Mayan Mexico, people would use it as a cure for tuberculosis. The main thing Purslane was used for by people was its leaves.
What did the Native Americans use purslane for? ›
Native people have also used Purslane medicinally. Diné people used it for stomach issues while Puebloan people used it as an antiseptic wash. In Mayan Mexico, people would use it as a cure for tuberculosis. The main thing Purslane was used for by people was its leaves.
Who should not eat purslane? ›
The plant is nutritious and generally considered safe for human consumption. Due its content of oxalic acid, purslane should not be consumed by people with kidney disease or that have high uric acid (Gardner and McGuffin, 2012; Berdonces, 2009; Duke et al., 2009).
Is purslane in the Bible? ›
Well before the time of Pliney, there is mention of purslane in the Bible. The prophet Job asks “Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there taste in the slime of the purslane?” The 'slime' probably refers to the mucilaginous nature of purslane.
Is too much purslane bad? ›
Can you eat too much purslane? Like with any food, you can overdo it, and that's certainly true with this herb. Researchers have found that it is relatively high in oxalic acid, an organic compound that has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones and other health problems for some people.
What happens when you eat purslane? ›
Purslane is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent heart disease and strokes. Purslane has more fatty acids than any other leafy green vegetable, making them a great choice to get that essential Omega-3!
What is the medicinal use of purslane? ›
Purslane has been used as a vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids and is high in vitamins and minerals. Purslane possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Roles in asthma, dyslipidemia, constipation, and type 2 diabetes, among other conditions, have been suggested; however, clinical studies are limited.
Is it OK to eat purslane raw? ›
Purslane is a green, leafy vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is known scientifically as Portulaca oleracea, and is also called pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed and pusley.
Can I eat purslane from my yard? ›
Although purslane leaves, stems, and flowers are completely edible, it's safest to only eat this plant if you know where and how it was grown. Because it's usually treated as a weed in the U.S., purslane that you find in a yard or next to a sidewalk could have been sprayed with a chemical.
Is purslane good for the brain? ›
Overall, the present study demonstrated the neuroprotective role of purslane in the striatum and proposes its prophylactic potential against developing brain damage and Parkinson's disease induction followed by rotenone administration, and that purslane may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against ...
Jesus Ate Fruit and Vegetables Too
Much of the diet in ancient Palestine consisted of fruit and vegetables. In Matthew 21:18-19, we see Jesus approach a fig tree for a quick snack. Other popular fruits were grapes, raisins, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, melons, pomegranates, dates, and olives.
What 3 flowers are mentioned in the Bible? ›
What Flowers are in the Bible? While the generic or common term 'flower' is mentioned 159 times, there are 3 specific types noted in the scriptures including Rose of Sharon, Rose, and Lily of the Valley. Let's dissect what these flowers mean and their location.
What is the purifying herb in the Bible? ›
Hyssop was mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments and symbolically in cleansing the soul. In Medieval and Renaissance times hyssop was primarily used for respiratory and digestive ailments.
Is purslane anti aging? ›
Purslane promotes the anti-aging enzyme telomerase which protects the cells DNA repair function acting like a regenerative fountain of youth for your skin. Purslane holds the distinction of highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids of any vegetable.
Does purslane raise blood pressure? ›
We observed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (−3.33 vs. 0.5 mmHg, P = 0.01) and a borderline significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (−3.12 vs. −0.93 mmHg, P = 0.09) after purslane seeds intake.
Is purslane good for arthritis? ›
Purslane holds powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is an ideal food for those suffering with autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, pulmonary disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and lupus.
Why is purslane so important? ›
Loaded with antioxidants
Purslane contains plenty of antioxidants, such as: Vitamin A:It protects your eyes as well as improves your immune system. It's also critical to the health of your organs because it supports healthy cell division. Beta-carotene: It turns into vitamin A in your body.
What is the history of purslane? ›
It was known to the Arabs in the medieval period, and may have been cultivated in Europe as early as the 13th century. (Purslane is also commonly wild-harvested.) The plant was first identified in the United States in Massachusetts, in 1672.
What is the Indian name for purslane? ›
Purslane, a Deeply Misunderstood Wonder Herb. What was labeled by Euell Gibbons, the American expert on wild food, as 'India's gift to the world,' is treated here as poor man's spinach, under the name 'Luni bhaji' and 'Kulfa.
What does the purslane symbolize? ›
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Common Purslane, or Portulaca oleracea, carries a tapestry of meanings across cultures. Historically, it's been a symbol of sleep and repose, likely due to its prostrate growth habit and the closing of its flowers at night.
