Portulaca Oleracea (Common Purslane / Verdolaga) 2000 Seeds An annual succulent in the family Portulacaceae Tolerate poor, compacted soils and drought Known as Ma Chi Xian in traditional Chinese medicine Depending upon rainfall, the flowers appear at anytime during the year. As a companion plant, purslane provides ground cover to create a humid microclimate for nearby plants, stabilising ground moisture.