Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Spiny-seeded Purslane (Portulaca echinosperma)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca echinosperma: Botanical Profile and Distribution
The species Portulaca echinosperma, first described by botanist Lucien Leon Hauman, enriches the botanical diversity of the Portulacaceae family. Native populations are distributed across several provinces in Argentina, including Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, and Tucumán. This wide geographic range suggests an adaptation to the diverse climatic conditions present in these South American regions.
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 echinosperma (Spiny-seeded Purslane)
Morphology
Like many members of the genus Portulaca, this species features succulent traits that allow it to store moisture in its tissues. The leaves are fleshy, adapted to minimize evaporation under conditions of intense solar radiation and lack of precipitation.
The specific epithet echinosperma points to the characteristic shape of the seeds, which may have a spiny or tuberculate surface. This structure of the seed coat promotes better anchoring in the soil and protection from premature germination during unfavorable periods.
Interesting facts
The epithet echinosperma is derived from Greek and literally means "hedgehog-seeded" or "spiny-seeded", referring to the unique structure of its seed surface. This special seed morphology is an essential microscopic identification feature for taxonomists to distinguish the species from other closely related South American relatives.
Geography of distribution
- Argentina
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
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 …