Goldberg Golden Purslane

Goldberg Golden Purslane

Scientific Name:
Portulaca oleracea var. sativa

Family:
Portulacaceae

Varieties:

• Sativa (ID: 199)

Introduction

Portulaca oleracea var. sativa, commonly referred to as Golden Purslane, is a cultivated variety of the succulent plant Portulaca oleracea. It belongs to the family Portulacaceae and is known for its larger, more yellowish leaves compared to the wild type P. oleracea . The plant has been cultivated for over 4,000 years for its nutritional and medicinal properties . Its scientific name reflects its classification as a variant of P. oleracea, with sativa indicating its domesticated form.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: P. oleracea var. sativa is an annual, low-growing succulent with thick, green oval leaves that are less succulent than those of the wild type . The stems are smooth and reddish, often forming a mat up to 60 cm in diameter . The leaves are alternate, obovate, or spatulate, and the flowers are pale yellow, opening only on sunny mornings .
• Growing Conditions: Purslane thrives in full sun and can grow in almost any soil type, from muck to heavy clay, making it highly adaptable . It prefers warm weather and can tolerate poor soil and drought due to its succulent nature .
• Lifecycle: The plant grows quickly, producing a mat of edible leaves. It flowers when moisture is sufficient, and the flowers are self-fertile, producing numerous seeds .

Why is this crop useful for space?

Purslane is a promising crop for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, making it a nutritious food source . - Adaptability: Its ability to thrive in poor soil and tolerate drought makes it suitable for controlled environments with limited resources, such as those found in space . - Low Maintenance: The plant’s succulent nature and self-fertility reduce the need for extensive care, which is beneficial in space where resources are limited .

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Portulaca oleracea var. sativa in space. However, its characteristics make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects aimed at providing sustainable food sources in controlled environments. The adaptability and nutritional value of purslane align with the goals of space agriculture to grow crops that are resilient and provide essential nutrients for astronauts on long-duration missions.