Portulaca oleracea L- Kulpha (कुलफा)

stara1982 August 16, 2019 Uncategorized

Family:  Portulacaceae

Synonym: Portulaca consanguinea

Common name(s): Common purslane, verdolaga, red root, or parsley

Local name: Kulpha (कुलफा)

Kulpha is a annual succulent potherb of waste ground, garden, roadside, cultivated fields and wall margins It is grown as a common weed and found upto an altitude of 1700 in Western Himalaya.

Kulpha growing wild in a natural habitat.

Kulpha grows well in sunny moist soil. Plant is a widespread succulent  that is used not only as a wild edible pot herb, but also as a traditional medicine for alleviating a wide spectrum of diseases. 

Kulpha growing wild on demarcation of concrete ground

Leaves, stem and seeds of Kulpha are edible and often harvested by inhabitants from the wild for their local use as a food and medicine. People cultivate it for their personal use also and as a commercial crop.

Sometime it is also grown as an ornamental plant. Kulpha is known for its rich nutrient value. Its young leaves are eaten raw as a salad and also used as a thickener in soups. It is greatly admired for its salty and spicy taste.   Older leaves and stem are stemmed and saluted into leafy vegetable saag.

Kulpha Plant:

Plant is an erect or prostrate or ascending, glabrous, more or less succulent, annul herbs. about 5-40 cm tall.

 Stem decumbent or prostrate, usually woody at the base, branched, sometimes slightly reddish green or purplish green, main root tuberous, fibrous, fleshy.

A Plant of Kulpha

Leaves simple, subopposite or alternate, or uppermost usually clustered, spathulate-obovate to oblong, about 5-30 x 3-15 mm across, base slightly connate, margin entire, apex obtuse, terete, axillary hairs, inconspicuous about 1 mm long, green above and paler beneath, fleshy thick, petiole subsessile to sessile.

Inflorescence axillary or terminal clusters or capituli, flowering successively, about 2-30 flowered, subtented by 2 involucre-like bracts.

Flowers bisexual, about 2.5 cm across, pedicel subsessile or sessile, open only during sunshine, bracts foliaceous, bracteoles deltoid, with inconspicuous hairs, sepals 2, ovate-deltoid, distinctly carinate, base clasping, margins scarious, deciduous, about 8 x 8 mm across, petals 4-5, red, pink, yellow, free or subconnate at the base, broadly obovate, margins entire, apex obtuse, about 3-10 x 7-8 mm across. Stamens 7-15, adnate to petals inserted on calyx, filaments basally connate, about 4 mm long, anthers 2-4 locular, dorsifixed. Ovary semi inferior, unilocular, ovules 4-many on free central placentation, style 3-5 fid, about 5 mm long.

Kulpha plant

Fruit capsule, globose-ovoid, about 4 x 3 mm across, papery, dehiscing circumscissile at the middle or at 2/3rd.

Seeds 20-25, reniform-globose, about 6-7 mm across, laterally compressed, shining black, tuberculate. small, prostrate herb, upto 30cm.

Edible plant parts of Kulpha can be harvested from rainy to autumn season. To ensure sustainable harvesting rotational collection of edible plant parts should be done,

Edible Uses:

Leaves, stem and seeds of kulpha are edible and greatly admired by people due to its salty and spicy taste. Young leaves are ingredients of soup. Leaves and stem are cooked as a potherb while seeds are ground and mixed with other cereals to trap maximum nutrients.

Harvested Kulpha Terminals

Kulpha a potherb (Saag):

Ingredients:

Tender shoot tips and leaves of Kulpha, 1 kg; mustard oil, 2 table spoons; coriander powder 1 table spoon; fenugreek powder, ½ table spoon; cumin seed ¼ table spoon; turmeric powder, 1/4 table spoon; red chillies, 2-3; chopped onions 2-4; garlic, 4-5 cloves; ginger paste ½ table spoon and salt according to taste.

Ingredients.

Method:

Boil chopped leaves they become soft.  Then mesh manually or in a mixer. Then sauté with hot mustard oil and the spices listed before in sequence. This sauted saag is then ready and can be served as such or can be mixed with 2 or 3 chopped onion and cooked for another 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Kulpha saag ready to serve
Kulpha saag being served with chapattis.

Food Value:

Leaves (Dry weight):

Raw kupha contain  93% water, 3% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and negligible fat (table). In a 100 gram kulpha supplies 20 calories, and rich amount of vitamin,A,1320 IU E, 12.2 mg; vitamin C, 21 mg and wide range of Vitamin B complex with moderate content of several dietary minerals  such as Ca, 65 mg; Fe, 1.99 mg; Mg, 68 mg; Mn, 0.303 mg; P44 mg; K. 494 mg, Zn.0;17mg5.

The seed (per 100g ZMB):

Contains 21g protein, 18.9g fat 3.4g ash Fatty acids of the seeds are 10.9% palmitic, 3.7% stearic, 1.3% behenic, 28.7% oleic, 38.9% linoleic and 9.9% linolenic2

Leaves (Dry weight per 100g):

Contains Calories,270; Protein: 26g; Fat: 4g; Carbohydrate: 50g; Fibre: 11.5g; Ash: 20g;Minerals – Calcium: 1500mg; Phosphorus: 550mg; Iron: 29mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 55mg; Potassium: 1800mg; Zinc: 0mg;Vitamins – A: 15000mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.35mg; Riboflavin (B2): 1.4mg; Niacin: 6mg; B6: 0mg; C: 250mg 2


 Seek advice from a professional before using this plant medicinally.

Medicinal Uses:

Except for the roots, the entire plant is used as antibacterial, anti- inflammatory and anthelminthic. It is used in treating bacillary dysentery and dysuria. A combination with equal parts of Euphorbia heterophylla  is also used. The juice extracted from 100g of pounded fresh plant and diluted with water serves as anthelminthic against oxyuriasis and ascariasis. It is administered in the morning, for 3-5 days. Poultices of fresh leaves are used to treat mastitis, boils and impetigo. The plant is antibacterial, antiscorbutic, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge 4. The leaves are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is thought to be important in preventing heart attacks and strengthening the immune system The leaves can be harvested at any time before the plant flowers, they are used fresh or dried 3. This remedy is not given to pregnant women or to patients with digestive problems 3. The seeds are tonic and vermifuge 1,3. They are prescribed for dyspepsia and opacities of the cornea 2.

Source of Income:

Kulpha leaves are sold by local people of hills in surrounding local market at the cost of Rs 30 to 40 per kg.

References:

1.Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L. & Chopra, I.C (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

2.Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. (1985);   Medicinal Plants of China reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4

3. Bown. D.(1995): Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31!

4.Purohit SS, Sharma AK, Prajapati ND, Kumar T. (2009): A handbook of medicinal plants: a complete source book. Edition.;2:352-3.

5. USDA Food Composition Databases.              

1,829 thoughts on “Portulaca oleracea L- Kulpha (कुलफा)”

  3. fantastic put up, very informative. I wonder why the other experts
    of this sector don’t understand this. You should proceed your writing.
    I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

    Reply

  4. It’s actually a great and useful piece of
    information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  5. Hi there, I think your site might be having web browser
    compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that,
    excellent website!

    Reply

  7. I would like to voice my affection for your kindness giving support to men who should have help on this subject matter. Your personal dedication to passing the message all around came to be surprisingly advantageous and have truly made men and women much like me to achieve their endeavors. Your entire useful instruction indicates a whole lot a person like me and a whole lot more to my peers. Best wishes; from everyone of us.

    Reply

  8. I simply wanted to develop a note in order to thank you for all the amazing secrets you are showing here. My time consuming internet search has finally been rewarded with good quality suggestions to talk about with my company. I would admit that many of us site visitors actually are really endowed to exist in a really good place with so many brilliant individuals with very beneficial tactics. I feel rather fortunate to have used your entire website page and look forward to plenty of more excellent moments reading here. Thanks a lot once more for everything.

    Reply

  9. I enjoy you because of all of your hard work on this web site. My mom loves working on internet research and it is easy to see why. Many of us notice all about the powerful mode you convey worthwhile information on this web site and in addition foster response from other ones on the issue then our favorite princess is actually becoming educated a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. You are carrying out a good job.

    Reply

  11. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny clear idea|

    Reply

  12. Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!|

    Reply

  14. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.|

    Reply

  53. Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!|

    Reply

  55. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really loved surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!|

    Reply

  58. Hi there, simply was aware of your blog via Google, and located that it is truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful should you proceed this in future. Many other people can be benefited from your writing. Cheers!|

    Reply

  60. Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot|

    Reply

  63. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.|

    Reply

  69. I do not even know the way I ended up here, however I believed this post was once great. I do not recognize who you’re however certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren’t already. Cheers!|

    Reply

  74. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange strategies with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.|

    Reply

  78. Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.|

    Reply

  80. Hello, There’s no doubt that your web site could possibly be having browser compatibility problems. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent blog!|

    Reply

  83. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!|

    Reply

  91. Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!|

    Reply

  99. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital
    to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your
    blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment
    and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

    Reply

  101. I’m more than happy to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new stuff in your site.|

    Reply

  102. Some nice points there. I think aboutthesepoints oftenwhen I amat work and they reallyhelp me through my day. Your article has proven useful to me. Your article has proven useful to me.

    Reply

  103. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But think of if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this site could definitely be one of the best in its field. Amazing blog!|

    Reply

  104. Having read this I believed it was extremely informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!|

    Reply

  111. Greetings, I do believe your site might be having internet browser compatibility problems.

    Whenever I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Aside from that, wonderful blog!

    Reply

  116. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.|

    Reply

  117. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it|

    Reply

  118. Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this information to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!|

    Reply

  120. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.|

    Reply

  124. Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?|

    Reply

  125. I think what you typed made a ton of sense. However, what about this? what if you were to create a awesome post title? I ain’t saying your content isn’t good., however what if you added something that grabbed folk’s attention? I mean BLOG_TITLE is a little vanilla. You might peek at Yahoo’s home page and note how they create post titles to grab people to open the links. You might try adding a video or a related picture or two to grab readers interested about what you’ve written. In my opinion, it could bring your posts a little bit more interesting.|

    Reply

  126. I think that what you posted was actually very reasonable.
    But, what about this? suppose you added a little information? I am not
    suggesting your information isn’t good, however suppose you added something
    that makes people want more? I mean Portulaca oleracea L-
    Kulpha (कुलफा) – Himalayan Wild Food Plants is kinda plain. You ought
    to peek at Yahoo’s front page and see how they write news headlines to grab viewers to open the links.
    You might try adding a video or a picture or two
    to get people interested about everything’ve written. In my opinion, it could make your posts
    a little livelier.

    Reply

  127. Normally I don’t read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very nice post.|

    Reply

  129. I simply could not leave your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information a person provide on your visitors? Is going to be again incessantly to check up on new posts|

    Reply

  131. My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!|

    Reply

  144. Hey there! I’ve been following your site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!|

    Reply

  146. Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!|

    Reply

  151. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?|

    Reply

  160. May I just say what a comfort to discover someone who really understands what they’re talking about on the net. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular because you surely have the gift.|

    Reply

  169. Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.|

    Reply

  172. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.|

    Reply

  174. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I may just I wish to suggest you some fascinating things or advice. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I want to learn even more issues about it!|

    Reply

  175. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may just I wish to recommend you some attention-grabbing things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to learn more things about it!|

    Reply

  176. Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back yet again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.|

    Reply

  180. Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment and even I achievement you get admission to persistently quickly.|

    Reply

  181. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!|

    Reply

  184. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb blog!|

    Reply

  190. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!|

    Reply

  191. I love what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.|

    Reply

  201. Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you can do with a few to pressure the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is great blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.|

    Reply

  202. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.|

    Reply

  208. I’m more than happy to find this website. I need to
    to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part of
    it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information on your web site.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

↑