Family :
Flora of Nilgiri Biosphere (Northern Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve)
Portulacaceae
Leaf arrangement

Sub-opposite, Alternate
Leaf Type

Simple
Leaf Shape

Spathulate, Obovate
Leaf Apex

Obtuse
Leaf Base

Attenuate
Leaf Margin

Entire
Habit : A prostrate succulent herb.
Habitat and Distribution : Common by arable lands, drainages, wayside, generally in clayey soils. Found in plains from the coast, 1500m, Pantropics.
Indigenous Information : Apis florea mostly observed foraging on the flowers. Leaves cooked with lentils make a tasty vegetable. Sometimes brought for sale to the local market.
Other relevent information : Caterpillars of Great and Danaid Eggfly butterflies feed on this plant. Leaves used in salads. Stems pickled and used in traditional medicine.
Field Tips : Stem reddish. Herb black when dry. Flowers open by morning and close by midday.
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Names:
English : Common PurselaneIrula : Goni soppu
Tamil : Vazhukkaikeerai, Pasalekeerai
Hindi : Khursa, Badi-noni
Flower:
In terminal clusters, rarely solitary, yellow. Flowering throughout the year.Fruit :
A capsule, ovoid, glabrous. Seeds many. Fruiting throughout the year.