Purslane and potgrass are not the same plant, and they are quite distantly related. These two plants are very common in rural areas, and their leaves and plant shapes are somewhat similar, so some people will inevitably be confused.

So, what is the difference between these two plants? Let’s take a look at each.

1) Purslane

Let’s take a look at purslane first. It is also called “undying” in rural areas. A kind of weed with extremely strong vitality, it is common in farmland, roadsides, ditch edges and green belts. Moreover, this plant is widely distributed and can be found in many places across the country.

Purslane is an annual plant of the Purslane family. It has the characteristics of a succulent plant. Its stems and leaves store the water needed for survival and are fleshy. The stems are round and purple-red; the leaves are thick, like "horse teeth" and opposite; the flowers are yellow and bloom at the top of the plant stick.

It is a nutritious wild vegetable that is delicious stir-fried or cold. You can also dry it into dried vegetables and make dumplings in winter.

Why is purslane called "cannot die"? First, it has strong drought tolerance. Even though the leaves are wilting due to drought, it still lives tenaciously. If you put the pulled purslane in the sun to dry, it will not die for many days. After a rain, it will "return to the sun".

There are some horticultural varieties of purslane, such as Purslane grandiflora, which bloom beautifully and are common in flower ponds in rural courtyards.

2) Weeping pot grass

Weeping pot grass is a perennial plant of the Crassulaceae family. The leaves are slender and pointed (oblong to oblanceolate), with three whorls. The leaves are also not as thick as purslane. If they don't bloom, they still look a little like each other from a distance. But flowering is different.

The flowers of the weeping potgrass have five petals, and the petals are slender; the flowers of the purslane are round and much smaller than the leaves. One thing they all have in common is that the flowers are all yellow.

Unlike purslane, weeping potgrass can easily take root on its stem nodes. Moreover, weeping pot plants can be made into potted plants by letting their branches hang down like spider plants, but the stems of purslane are generally hard and upright. Weeping potgrass can also be eaten, and it can also be used as medicine.

Weeping potgrass is commonly found in relatively humid places such as rock crevices, ditch edges, and riversides.

Unlike the weeping potgrass, wild purslane has little ornamental value and is just a farmland weed. But weeping potgrass can be made into potted plants.

The above are the differences between these two plants. In fact, if you are familiar with them, you can tell the difference at a glance.

Welcome to follow "Wandering among the Grass and Trees". I am Manman, who loves flowers, grass and the countryside. I am willing to share it with everyone. The heart of grass and trees, the taste of the country, savor it carefully and take a long walk.