Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), grown under greenhouse conditions, was
harvested at three growth stages and analyzed for total solids, total
protein, ash, soluble carbohydrate, and fructose/fructane in whole pla
nts, leaves, stems, and roots. Significant increases were observed in
total solids and protein during plant maturation. Leaves had the highe
st amount of protein in the third growth stage (44.25 g/100 g dry matt
er). Roots showed a decline in protein level as the plant aged. Solubl
e carbohydrate was significantly higher in growth states 1 and 3. Sign
ificant variation among growth stages was found with regard to total p
hosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and copper. Total pho
sphorus (P) content in leaves was significantly higher than P found in
stems and roots. Iron (Fe) content varied significantly among growth
stages, and roots and leaves had the highest Fe content (121.47 and 33
.21mg, respectively). Significant accumulation of manganese (Mn) was f
ound in different growth stages. Leaves and roots had significantly hi
gher Mn content than stems.