Family: Montiaceae/ Purslane
Ecology/ Botany:
This perennial grows from seemingly dead taproots in the dry, open ground of arid ecosystems like Bunchgrass zones and even the desert. The stunning flowers glow against the grey earth like they had been dropped from the heavens and only open in the sun. Rediviva means revived or restored to life.
Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses:
The roots are bitter and valued as food and medicine by Indigenous cultures. They gathered them in the early spring before they become too bitter.
References/Other useful Links:
Parish, Coupe, Lloyd. 1996. Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia. B. C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing.
E-Flora BC Atlas Page/ linnet.geog.ubc.ca
BRIT- Native American Ethnobotany DB
Neskonlith Education Center, Secwepemc Nation. 2019. Secwepemc Plant Knowledge Cards. Shuswap and North Okanagan: Neskonlith Education Center.
https://bcparksfoundation.ca/projects/discover-parks/secwepemc-plant-knowledge-cards/bitterroot/