63 



Spinach and Other Greens 



a weak-stemmed plant trailing on the ground (Pig. 21), 

 whereas the Improved, or French purslane, grows more or 

 less erect, and has very thick and succulent stems and 

 large leaves (Fig. 22). It is easily grown in any good 

 quick garden land from seeds sown in early spring where 

 the plants are to stand. It matures quickly, and, unlike 

 many other kinds of potherb plants, it is not injured by 

 warm weather. However, the crop is usually harvested 



21. Common purslane or "pusley.'* » 



before midsummer, as greens are not in demand at that 

 time. Sometimes it is started under glass and trans- 

 planted. Although the seeds are small, they germinate 

 strongly. There seems to be little danger of the cultivated 

 purslane self-sowing and becoming a weed. If kept moist 

 and vigorous, the plant may be cut more than once. The 

 plant rises one foot or more and spreads widely or lops 

 with age. 



The cultivated purslane is Portulaca oleracea, Linn, 

 var. sativa, DC. It is probably a result of domestication. 



