Portulaca, commonly called porcelain grass, is a perennial plant, originally from the Mediterranean, appreciated and used since the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Exposure: loves positions in full sun and sheltered from drafts.

Soil: grows well in the common garden soil.

Watering: watering must be done with a certain regularity. During spring and summer, water is watered to completely moisten the soil and the surface is left to dry before watering again. During the autumn - winter periods, water from time to time, just to prevent the potting soil from drying out completely.

The cultivation in pot of Portulaca is simple and can lead to very lively spots of color in areas adjacent to windows and balconies. The portulaca is particularly suitable for windows with shutters as, being creeping it does not obstruct the opening of the shutters in the use of windowsill pot holders. The vases can also be positioned in other areas: on the ground, on railings or on raised floors. The important thing is the exposure, otherwise no problem.

in Portulaca it was long cultivated during the Middle Ages as an aromatic herb or food-base. The slightly acidic taste of the sprouts made it ideal for flavoring dishes such as salads, soups, omelettes or fillings, while its easy (and free) availability made it a food available for the poorer sections of the population.

Following industrialization, purslane was relegated to a marginal role in human nutrition. Despite the aforementioned oblivion, the survival of this herb in the collective memory was ensured by a deep-rooted culinary tradition. The more rustic and peasant dishes of the small regional realities did not stop contemplating the porcelain herb as a fundamental ingredient in the preparation of tasty salads and homemade soups.