Portulaca oleracca, Linn. Also known as Small-leaved Purslane, or Turtle grass is a common ‘weed’ found throughout Bermuda. This, along with Sesuvium portulacastrum, are both mentioned in Lefroy’s BOTANY OF BERMUDA. (this valuable book is available on the BBS website)
A very common yellow flowering plant found in gardens; sometimes used as a pot herb. Probably native, being generally distributed throughout the West Indies and Southern US
States.
Sesuvium Portulacastrum H. B. Sea Purslane.
Found along the seashore in moist places, and in Hamilton Parish marsh: may be distinguished by the absence of petals, the numerous stamens of deep rose color, and the delicate pink lining to the sepals, which are externally a bright green; otherwise much like Purslane in habit. Flowers in September.
Purslane is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits, ‘eaten extensively as a potherb and added in soups and salads around the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries and has been used as a folk medicine in many countries.’ (see https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4321094/)
The hybrids have been grown are also popular garden plants, well adapted to the heat and dry weather. If you want to try your hand at hybridization, see video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZFchmIplvm/
Further reading" Bermuda Folk Remedies, Kuni M Frith ND
Bermuda's Botanic Wonderland Christine Phillips-Watlington
Wild Edible Foraging Doreen Williams-James ND
