Family: Montiaceae/ Purslane
Ecology/ Botany:
These perennials grow in open, moist slopes and meadows at mid to high elevation. They bloom in early spring and literally glow in the sun with filaments that reflect ultraviolet light. After blooming and seeding, they die back above ground to save energy underground in their tuberous roots for the next spring. They prefer forest zones of Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir.
Medicinal/Traditional/Other Uses:
The roots are edible and nutritious, like little potatoes. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C. When in bloom, they only open on sunny days and close and droop in darkness. This behaviour was used to help predict impending storms by Indigenous people. They were an important food source for all BC Interior Indigenous people. Secwepemc (Shuswap) people stored them in earthen pits and replanted the smaller corms to sustain crops.
References/Other useful Links:
Parish, Coupe, Lloyd. 1996. Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia. B. C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing.
Neskonlith Education Center, Secwepemc Nation. 2019. Secwepemc Plant Knowledge Cards. Shuswap and North Okanagan: Neskonlith Education Center.