Portulaca elatior
Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is a resilient succulent valued for its remarkable nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, this versatile plant offers significant anti-inflammatory and healing benefits. It is widely utilized in traditional medicine to support skin health and digestion.
- Scientific name: Portulaca elatior
- Family: Portulacaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Portulacaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Portulaca.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Portulacaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Portulaca | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Portulaca oleracea, is known by a variety of common names across different languages and regions. In English, it is most frequently referred to as purslane or common purslane, while in Spanish, it is widely known as verdolaga. In French, the plant is called pourpier, and in German, it is identified as portulak. In Portuguese, the common name is purslane (portulaca), and in Italian, it is known as porporina.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known as Portulaca oleracea, exhibits a broad presence throughout various regions of the Caribbean. It can be found growing across the island of Aruba, contributing to the local flora. Its distribution extends to major islands such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, the species is commonly documented within the Netherlands Antilles. Finally, it is also widely spread throughout the Venezuelan Antilles.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Aruba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Netherlands Antilles | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Venezuelan Antilles | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Portulaca elatior has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lectin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lectin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Portulaca elatior has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus megaterium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |