the Week of Proper 26 / Ordinary 31
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Bible Encyclopedias
Purslane
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
or the common name for a small fleshy annual with prostrate stems, entire leaves and small yellow flowers, known botanically as Portulaca oleracea. It is a native of India, which was introduced into Europe as a salad plant, and in some countries has spread so as to become a noxious weed. In certain parts of the United States the evil qualities of "pussly" have become proverbial. Its juice is refreshing and is used in tropical countries as a refrigerant in fever. Some of the species of the same genus, such as P. grandiflora and its varieties, are grown in gardens on rock-work owing to the great beauty and deep colouring of their flowers, the short duration of individual blossoms being compensated for by the abundance with which they are produced.
These files are public domain.
Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Purslane'. 1911 Encyclopedia Britanica. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/p/purslane.html. 1910.
