PORTULACACEAE - Purslane Family
Mostly herbs with fleshy
leaves that are opposite or alternate, simple
Flowers solitary or in a
variety of inflorescences
Fruit usually a capsule dehiscing by valves or circumscissile
Embryo curved around the perisperm
Sepals may actually be bracts and therefore the petals would be
sepals
20 genera, 500 species
Economic importance - several ornamentals, some species are
weedy.
Medicinal uses - Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) is a common
weed, poultice used for burns and inflammation, tea for headaches and
stomaches, leaves are edible.
