Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
African Purslane (Portulaca africana)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Portulaca africana: Habitat, Taxonomy, and Botanical Data
Spanning an impressive geographic range across multiple continents, Portulaca africana thrives in diverse environments from Africa to Asia. The species was initially identified and described by botanists Avinoam Danin and H.G. Baker, adding significant value to the understanding of the Portulacaceae family. Its extensive distribution highlights a remarkable adaptability to various environmental conditions.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ core eudicots
- ∟ Superasterids
- ∟ order Caryophyllales
- ∟ подотряд / подпорядок Portulacineae
- ∟ family Portulacaceae (Purslane family)
- ∟ genus Portulaca (Purslane genus)
- ∟ species Portulaca africana (African Purslane)
Morphology
The plant forms prostrate or ascending shoots characteristic of many wild members of the family Portulacaceae. Fleshy leaves serve as a natural reservoir for water, ensuring viability during periods of prolonged drought.
The special structure of the vegetative organs allows the species to root quickly. This ensures efficient colonization of available space under harsh climatic conditions.
Interesting facts
This particular species exhibits an incredibly broad natural distribution range.
- It is natively found across vast areas of the African continent, including countries like Mali, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Egypt.
- The plant has also established its presence in parts of Asia, being documented in India and the Hainan province of China.
Geography of distribution
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Zimbabwe
- Uganda
- Egypt
- India
- China
Sources
- GBIF
- Catalogue of Life
- Wikidata
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Portulaca oleracea subsp. africana
See also
Red-Stemmed Purslane
Portulaca rubricaulis
An annual succulent herb characterized by distinctive reddish stems and solitary yellow flowers, found across …
Round-Leaved Purslane
Portulaca rotundifolia
An annual succulent plant species of the Portulacaceae family, native to South America.
Hairy Hawaiian Purslane
Portulaca villosa
Portulaca villosa, commonly known as hairy purslane or 'ihi, is a rare, prostrate succulent endemic …