Parakeelya balonensis (Calandrinia balonensis)

Family: Portulacaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Calandrinia balonensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw. The leaves contain oxalic acid and so some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Seed - raw or ground into a meal. — The leaves contain oxalic acid and so some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; Seed - raw or ground into a meal.; The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest, especially since it ripens intermittently over a period of several weeks.; Root - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Arid areas, often around salt lakes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)