Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Slender Purslane (Portulaca gracilis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Portulaca gracilis: Botanical Characteristics and Range
Endemic to the Santa Cruz department of Bolivia, Portulaca gracilis has adapted to survive as a specialized regional succulent.
The formal botanical description of this species was published by Karl von Poellnitz. It contributes to the remarkable botanical diversity of the Portulacaceae family across the South American continent.
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 gracilis (Slender Purslane)
Morphology
The use of the Latin epithet gracilis, which translates as slender or graceful, frequently alludes to the more delicate or fine visual aspect of the vegetative morphology in contrast to other robust species of the genus. Regardless of this structural characteristic, the plant maintains the vital physiological adaptations focused on the succulence of its tissues.
The anatomical details of the flower and the micro-sculpture present in the seeds constitute the definitive factors for its infallible identification against morphologically similar species. Additionally, these terrestrial organisms typically develop a shallow root system designed to quickly absorb sporadic rainfall.
Interesting facts
Some noteworthy botanical facts about this species:
- Its main distribution area is in the landlocked South American country of Bolivia, where it is an integral part of the local flora.
- The namer Karl von Poellnitz was a designated expert on succulents and systematized numerous species of this plant group.
- Its namesake delicate growth is a characteristic identifying feature that distinguishes it from more robust relatives within the genus.
Geography of distribution
- Bolivia (Santa Cruz)
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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 …