Purslane: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:25, 31 May 2025

Introduction[edit]

Portulaca sativa is often considered a synonym or a cultivated form of Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane. It belongs to the family Portulacaceae and is an annual succulent plant. Historically, purslane has been cultivated for over 4,000 years for its nutritional and medicinal properties^[1]. The plant is highly variable and has been grown in many parts of the world, both as a food source and for its health benefits^[2]^[3].

Characteristics[edit]

Physical Characteristics: Purslane has smooth, reddish, mostly prostrate stems that can grow up to 16 inches tall. The leaves are alternate or opposite, clustered at stem joints, and are fleshy, storing water^[4]^[5]. The flowers are small and yellow, opening only during sunny mornings^[6]^[7].
Growing Conditions: It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions^[8]^[9]. It is frost tender and will be killed by the first freeze^[10].
Lifecycle: Purslane is an annual plant, but it can behave like a tropical perennial in warmer climates. It produces many seeds, which can remain viable for several decades^[11]^[12].

Why is this crop useful for space?[edit]

Purslane could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: It is rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and iron, making it a nutritious crop for astronauts^[13]^[14]. - Drought Tolerance: Its ability to thrive in poor soil and tolerate drought could be advantageous in controlled environments with limited water resources^[15]^[16]. - CAM Photosynthesis: Purslane’s ability to switch between C4 and CAM photosynthesis pathways allows it to conserve water, which could be beneficial in space where water is scarce^[17].

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)[edit]

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Portulaca sativa or Portulaca oleracea in space. However, plants with similar characteristics, such as succulents and those capable of CAM photosynthesis, are of interest for future space missions due to their water efficiency and nutritional value. Research into such plants could pave the way for future space agriculture projects.

References[edit]

[1] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[2] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

[3] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[4] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

[5] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[6] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

[7] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[8] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/portulaca

[9] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[10] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[11] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

[12] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[13] ttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1484

[14] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[15] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

[16] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea

[17] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{PlantProfile
-| scientific_name = Portulaca oleracea
+| scientific_name = Portulaca sativa
 | family = Portulacaceae
-| varieties = <li>Goldberg golden (ID: 36)</li>
+| varieties = <li>Default (ID: 132)</li>
 }}
 <span id="introduction"></span>
 == Introduction ==
-'''Portulaca oleracea''', commonly known as purslane, is an annual succulent belonging to the family Portulacaceae. It is a highly variable species with a wide distribution across temperate and warm regions globally, often considered a weed but also cultivated for its nutritional value and medicinal properties<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. The plant has been used as a food source for over 4,000 years and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and various minerals<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref><ref>https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Portulaca+oleracea</ref>. Its scientific name, ''Portulaca oleracea'', reflects its historical use as a vegetable, with the specific epithet ''oleracea'' meaning “vegetable/herbal” in Latin<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref>.
+'''Portulaca sativa''' is often considered a synonym or a cultivated form of '''Portulaca oleracea''', commonly known as purslane. It belongs to the family Portulacaceae and is an annual succulent plant. Historically, purslane has been cultivated for over 4,000 years for its nutritional and medicinal properties<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. The plant is highly variable and has been grown in many parts of the world, both as a food source and for its health benefits<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
 <span id="characteristics"></span>
 == Characteristics ==
-* '''Physical Characteristics''': Purslane grows up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall, with smooth, reddish, mostly prostrate stems and oval, succulent leaves that are often clustered at stem joints<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. The leaves are typically stalkless and shiny, ranging from 1/2 to 2 inches in length<ref>https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7461.html?fr=4630&amp;src=302-www</ref>. The plant produces small yellow flowers with five petals, which open only in sunny conditions<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
+* '''Physical Characteristics''': Purslane has smooth, reddish, mostly prostrate stems that can grow up to 16 inches tall. The leaves are alternate or opposite, clustered at stem joints, and are fleshy, storing water<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. The flowers are small and yellow, opening only during sunny mornings<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
-* '''Growing Conditions''': Purslane thrives in full sun and can grow in almost any soil type, from muck to heavy clay. It prefers warm weather and regular watering but can tolerate drought due to its succulent nature<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. The plant is frost-tender and will die with the first freeze<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
+* '''Growing Conditions''': It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/portulaca</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. It is frost tender and will be killed by the first freeze<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
-* '''Lifecycle''': Purslane is a prolific seeder, with a single plant capable of producing up to 240,000 seeds that can remain viable for decades<ref>https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7461.html?fr=4630&amp;src=302-www</ref>. Seeds germinate optimally at temperatures above 25°C and are light-sensitive, requiring minimal soil cover for successful germination<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref>.
+* '''Lifecycle''': Purslane is an annual plant, but it can behave like a tropical perennial in warmer climates. It produces many seeds, which can remain viable for several decades<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>.
 <span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>
 == Why is this crop useful for space? ==
-Purslane could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several factors: - '''Nutritional Value''': Its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants makes it a valuable crop for maintaining health in space missions<ref>https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Portulaca+oleracea</ref>. - '''Drought Tolerance''': The ability to switch between C4 and CAM photosynthesis pathways allows purslane to conserve water, which is crucial in space environments where water is limited<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref>. - '''Low Maintenance''': As a succulent, purslane can thrive in poor soil conditions and requires minimal care, making it suitable for controlled environments like space stations<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. - '''Space Efficiency''': Its prostrate growth habit allows for dense cultivation, maximizing space usage in limited environments<ref>https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7461.html?fr=4630&amp;src=302-www</ref>.
+Purslane could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Nutritional Value''': It is rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and iron, making it a nutritious crop for astronauts<ref>https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1484</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. - '''Drought Tolerance''': Its ability to thrive in poor soil and tolerate drought could be advantageous in controlled environments with limited water resources<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea</ref>. - '''CAM Photosynthesis''': Purslane’s ability to switch between C4 and CAM photosynthesis pathways allows it to conserve water, which could be beneficial in space where water is scarce<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea</ref>.
-<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space"></span>
+<span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space-if-there-is-any"></span>
-== History of Cultivation in Space ==
+== History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any) ==
-There is no specific information available on the cultivation of ''Portulaca oleracea'' in space. However, its characteristics make it a potential candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on sustainable and nutritious food production in controlled environments. As space agencies and private companies explore ways to grow crops in space, plants like purslane could become important components of such initiatives due to their adaptability and nutritional value.
+There is no specific information available on the cultivation of '''Portulaca sativa''' or '''Portulaca oleracea''' in space. However, plants with similar characteristics, such as succulents and those capable of CAM photosynthesis, are of interest for future space missions due to their water efficiency and nutritional value. Research into such plants could pave the way for future space agriculture projects.
 == References ==
 <references />