Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Purslane

PURSLANE, the Common, or Portulaca oleracea, L. is a tender exotic plant, which is annually raised either on a hot-bed, or warm border, for culinary purposes: it is propagated from seed, and forms an excellent ingredient in summer salads, but is improper in the winter, on account of its cold and moist nature.—The juice of this plant is sharp, and slightly saline, so that it produces laxative effects, when taken in sufficient quantity.—There are two varieties of the oleracea; one having deep green, and the other, yellow leaves; both of which, however, are produced from the same seed.