Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Fragile Purslane (Portulaca fragilis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca fragilis: Taxonomy, Distribution, and Plant Profile
Described scientifically by the German botanist Karl von Poellnitz, Portulaca fragilis occupies a specialized ecological niche within the arid landscapes of Bolivia. Botanical records indicate a natural distribution that includes the Santa Cruz department in South America, placing it firmly within the family Portulacaceae. The specific epithet fragilis reflects the delicate or easily broken nature of its vegetative parts compared to other members of its genus.
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 fragilis (Fragile Purslane)
Morphology
As the specific epithet implies, Portulaca fragilis is characterized by brittle or fragile stems and foliage when compared to more robust succulents. Despite this structural fragility, it retains the characteristic fleshy leaves essential for water storage in its native habitats.
The overall growth habit tends to remain relatively compact. This morphological strategy minimizes water loss while maximizing photosynthetic efficiency under intense solar radiation.
Interesting facts
- The species was scientifically described by Karl von Poellnitz, a botanist known for his extensive work on succulent plants during the early 20th century.
- Its natural habitat is strongly associated with the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia, where it has adapted to specific local climatic and edaphic conditions.
Geography of distribution
- Bolivia
Sources
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
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 …