Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Goiás Purslane (Portulaca goiasensis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca goiasensis: Botanical Information and Distribution
Native to the Brazilian state of Goiás, Portulaca goiasensis was first scientifically described by T. Vieira and A. A. Coelho. This succulent plant falls under the family Portulacaceae. It contributes to the rich endemic flora of South America and shares morphological traits common to 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 goiasensis (Goiás Purslane)
Morphology
The anatomical development of Portulaca goiasensis follows the classic xerophytic pattern of the family Portulacaceae, exhibiting specific adaptations to the seasonal variations of its natural environment. It presents a vegetative architecture equipped with fleshy organs, internally designed to store moisture for prolonged periods of time. The stem structure favors basal growth that protects the plant from intense solar radiation.
The leaves show a marked succulence, systematically emerging from the primary branches to maximize photosynthesis. In its flowering phase, it develops inflorescences that serve as a focus of attraction in its native ecosystem, playing a key role in interactions with the local fauna.
Interesting facts
The botanical epithet goiasensis acts as a direct toponymic reference to the state of Goiás, serving as a hallmark of this plant's strict endemism status in global botany.
The detailed description of these localized species highlights the continuous importance of advanced floristic surveys focused on preserving Brazil's fragile habitats.
Geography of distribution
- Brazil
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Tropicos
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 …