Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Short-leaved Purslane (Portulaca brevifolia)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca brevifolia: Botany, Distribution, and Subspecies
Botanical records place Portulaca brevifolia natively within the diverse floristic regions of the Caribbean basin and northern South America. Initially described by the botanist Ignatz Urban, this species demonstrates considerable adaptability across different island and continental habitats. It belongs to the well-known purslane family, Portulacaceae.
The species exhibits notable morphological diversity across its geographic range. This natural variation has led botanists to identify and classify specific intraspecific taxa that thrive in distinct ecological zones.
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 brevifolia (Short-leaved Purslane)
Morphology
The scientific name brevifolia directly translates to "short-leaved," pointing to one of its primary identifying morphological characteristics. The plant features a typical succulent growth habit, utilizing its abbreviated foliage for efficient water storage. This specialized cellular structure helps it endure in varied climates.
Interesting facts
Portulaca brevifolia is recognized for having distinct subtaxa, specifically Portulaca brevifolia var. nana and var. stellaris, indicating significant localized adaptation. The species effectively bridges the floristic regions of the Greater Antilles and the South American mainland.
Geography of distribution
- Haiti
- Cuba
- Venezuela
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Portulaca paucistaminata
See also
Red-Stemmed Purslane
Portulaca rubricaulis
An annual succulent herb characterized by distinctive reddish stems and solitary yellow flowers, found across …
Extremely Hairy Purslane
Portulaca hirsutissima
A succulent plant endemic to Brazil, characterized by its prominent hairy morphological traits and described …
Giulietti's Purslane
Portulaca giuliettiae
A rare succulent plant species in the purslane family, naturally endemic to the Bahia region …