|texte= Worldwide distributed as a weed and by cultivation, often naturalized. But already in pre-Columbian times in North America. Danin ''et al.'' (1979) described 10 subspecies. The domesticated race with large leaves. Often grown in the area of the wild distribution as a pot herb and vegetable (leaves and young shoots), but recently rather seldom. From the seeds grits are prepared. An important medicinal plant (Herba Portulaca) highly esteemed in folk medicine with modern prospects (e.g. anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal effect). Wild distribution: Temperate and warmer climates of all continents, possibly originated in W Asia.