Purslane

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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