Status:
valid
Authors:
Steyerm.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1988
Citation Micro:
Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 75: 1058 (1988)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000489297
Common Names
- Portulaca Insignis
- Showy Purslane
- Showy Portulaca
Description
Portulaca insignis (also called Purslane, among many other common names) is an annual succulent plant native to South America. It has a prostrate growth habit with small, fleshy leaves and stems. It produces small, yellow flowers. Portulaca insignis is found in dry, sandy, and rocky soils, and is often used as a ground cover in gardens.
Uses & Benefits
Portulaca insignis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Portulaca insignis are yellow, with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Portulaca insignis is a hardy, drought-tolerant annual that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To propagate, sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or early summer. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and lightly covered. Keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. Thin the seedlings to 6-12 inches apart when they reach 2-3 inches tall.
Where to Find Portulaca insignis
Portulaca insignis is native to the tropical regions of Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia.
Portulaca insignis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Portulaca insignis?
Portulaca insignis
What are the common names of Portulaca insignis?
Portulaca insignis is commonly known as showy portulaca
What is the natural habitat of Portulaca insignis?
Portulaca insignis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas
Species in the Portulaca genus
Portulaca colombiana,
Portulaca conzattii,
Portulaca oleracea,
Portulaca nitida,
Portulaca macrantha,
Portulaca pilosa,
Portulaca mucronata,
Portulaca granulatostellulata,
Portulaca grandiflora,
Portulaca foliosa,
Portulaca insignis,
Portulaca halimoides,
Portulaca hatschbachii,
Portulaca hereroensis,
Portulaca teretifolia,
Portulaca umbraticola,
Portulaca pygmaea,
Portulaca quadrifida,
Portulaca pusilla,
Portulaca sedoides,
Portulaca sedifolia,
Portulaca samoensis,
Portulaca rubricaulis,
Portulaca saxifragoides,
Portulaca brevifolia,
Portulaca elatior,
Portulaca canariensis,
Portulaca nicaraguensis,
Portulaca papillatostellulata,
Portulaca cypria,
Portulaca rausii,
Portulaca trituberculata,
Portulaca zaffranii,
Portulaca cardenasiana,
Portulaca hirsutissima,
Portulaca lanuginosa,
Portulaca caulerpoides,
Portulaca cyanosperma,
Portulaca hawaiiensis,
Portulaca lutea,
Portulaca sclerocarpa,
Portulaca smallii,
Portulaca suffrutescens,
Portulaca villosa,
Portulaca philippii,
Portulaca pilosissima,
Portulaca tingoensis,
Portulaca collina,
Portulaca kermesina,
Portulaca trianthemoides,
Species in the Portulacaceae family
Dendroportulaca mirabilis,
Mona meridensis,
Neopaxia australasica,
Portulaca colombiana,
Portulaca conzattii,
Portulaca oleracea,
Portulaca nitida,
Portulaca macrantha,
Portulaca pilosa,
Portulaca mucronata,
Portulaca granulatostellulata,
Portulaca grandiflora,
Portulaca foliosa,
Portulaca insignis,
Portulaca halimoides,
Portulaca hatschbachii,
Portulaca hereroensis,
Portulaca teretifolia,
Portulaca umbraticola,
Portulaca pygmaea,
Portulaca quadrifida,
Portulaca pusilla,
Portulaca sedoides,
Portulaca sedifolia,
Portulaca samoensis,
Portulaca rubricaulis,
Portulaca saxifragoides,
Portulaca brevifolia,
Portulaca elatior,
Portulaca canariensis,
Portulaca nicaraguensis,
Portulaca papillatostellulata,
Portulaca cypria,
Portulaca rausii,
Portulaca trituberculata,
Portulaca zaffranii,
Portulaca cardenasiana,
Portulaca hirsutissima,
Portulaca lanuginosa,
Portulaca caulerpoides,
Portulaca cyanosperma,
Portulaca hawaiiensis,
Portulaca lutea,
Portulaca sclerocarpa,
Portulaca smallii,
Portulaca suffrutescens,
Portulaca villosa,
Portulaca philippii,
Portulaca pilosissima,
Portulaca tingoensis,