Sea Purslane is a slow-growing shrub belonging to the goosefoot family and found in salt marshes and muddy beaches. Its thick, succulent leaves have a crunchy texture and are flavoured by the natural saltiness of the sea.
Atriplex is one of the names the Roman physician Pliny (23–79AD) gave to plants and is derived from the Greek phrase ‘not to flourish’. However, what he meant by assigning this name to sea purslane is uncertain.
Portulacoides seems equally obscure, for it means resembling the purslane plant.
The origin of the common name purslane is a greater mystery still. The English naturalist William Turner (1509/10–1568) called the plant purcellaine and in the Grete Herball of 1516, it is listed as procelayne.
Scientific Name
Atriplex portulacoides
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Description
The tiny flowers grow in clusters of yellow-green spikes amid downy oval-point leaves and purplish-coloured stems. This shrubby plant creates grey-green foliage.
Status
Native. Perennial. Evergreen.
Habitat and Distribution
Sea purslane prefers salt marshes and muddy shores.
Parts Used for Food
Leaves, seed.
Harvest Time
Right through the year.
Food Uses of Sea Purslane
As a seaside plant, Sea Purslane makes an excellent pickle, much like the commercially used samphire.
The crunchy, salty leaves make a tasty addition to salads, stir-fries or fish dishes.
The plant can be cooked as a vegetable or potherb or boiled and served similarly to French beans.
Nutritional Profile
There is little information available on the nutritional content of Sea Purslane.
Sea Purslane Recipes
- Sea Purslane Dahl
- Sea Purslane Fish Cakes
- Sea Purslane Hummus
- Sea Purslane Mayonnaise
- Sea Purslane Pesto
- Sea Purslane Pickle
- Sea Purslane Potato Cakes
Herbal Medicine Uses of Sea Purslane
Sea Purslane gained a reputation in folk medicine as a remedy for female-related complaints such as menstrual problems, uterine disorders.
However, there are few records of its use, and people may have substituted it in favour of more effective plants.
Safety Note
You should thoroughly wash the plant before use. Sea Purslane may best be avoided during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
References
Mabey, R. & Blamey, M. (1974) Food for Free. London: Collins.
Sousa, A. I. et al. (2008) Heavy metal accumulation in Halimione portulacoides: intra- and extra-cellular metal binding sites. Chemosphere. [Online] 70 (5), 850–857.
Wyse Jackson, P. (2013) Ireland’s Generous Nature: The Past and Present Uses of Wild Plants in Ireland. St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.