Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual edible succulent and, like many plants associated with traditional medicine, is often classified as a weed. It grows naturally in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. It was recorded by Theophrastus and its healing properties were mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History. All parts of purslane are edible raw or cooked and, although it can be foraged, it is generally grown as a cultivated crop, and there are a number of cultivars available for planting. It is eaten throughout much of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Mexico and the stems, leaves, and flower buds are all edible raw or cooked. Purslane is often used fresh as a salad in Greece where it is called andrakla or glistrida and the leaves and stems are often accompanied by feta cheese, tomato, onion, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. The seeds can be also be eaten raw or used to make flour.
Purslane is rather tolerant of pests due to its waxy cover which protects the plant from insects and diseases. It has a high salt tolerance for salt, making it suitable for cropping in areas where irrigation is carried out with somewhat saline water. As a succulent it thrives in dry, hot climates that are unable to sustain many other plants.
Apart from important amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C and several dietary minerals, purslane is a particularly rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that can support the health of arteries and help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and other forms of heart disease. They are usually found in fish but not usually in plants. Purslane, however, has one of the highest recorded levels of omega-3 fatty acids of any land-based plant. The consumption of purslane, however, should be done with caution since it also contains high amounts of oxalates and this be an issue for the development of kidney stones. Other claimed health benefits which, however, need further study include its contribution to lowering cancer risk, and in the treatment of asthma and diabetes.