Herb: Water Purslane


Latin name: Ludwigia palustris


Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)



Medicinal use of Water Purslane:

Used in the treatment of phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis), asthma and chronic coughs.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Shallow water or wet soils.

Propagation of Water Purslane:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse at a temperature between 15 - 20°C. Immerse the pot so that it is 2 - 5cm below water level. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in containers of water in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Softwood cuttings in a frame in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Shallow water or wet soils.

Known hazards of Ludwigia palustris:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.