ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the origin and distribution, nutritional composition, medicinal values, climatic requirement, soil requirement, cultivated varieties and post-harvest management of purslane. Purslane is an annual potherb, having a long history of use for human food, animal feed and medicine. In many parts of the world, it is still regarded as a weed with nutritional potential. Purslane is susceptible to frost, thus, its sowing in North India is done in the last week of February to first week of March and in Southern India in January to February. Purslane reproduces from seeds and stem fragments. Purslane is eaten extensively as a potherb, cooked and added in soups and salads around the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries. Its pleasant nips add spice to a meal. Purslane sawfly and leaf mining weevil are a natural enemy of common purslane. Black stem of purslane disease causes stem blackening and constriction at the soil line.
