Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Oblong-leaved Purslane (Portulaca oblonga)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca oblonga: Native Flora of East Africa
Portulaca oblonga finds its natural habitat in the specific ecological zones of East Africa, primarily across southern Ethiopia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. Botanist Albert Peter first documented and described this species for the scientific community. It holds a distinct place within the Portulacaceae family and represents a specialized component of regional botanical diversity.
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 oblonga (Oblong-leaved Purslane)
Morphology
As suggested by its specific epithet oblonga, this plant is characterized by leaves or other vegetative structures that are oblong in shape, meaning they are longer than they are wide with parallel margins. Although precise morphological details require field observations, its inclusion in the genus Portulaca implies the presence of fleshy tissues specialized in water retention.
Interesting facts
Compared to more widely dispersed members of its genus, Portulaca oblonga maintains a highly restricted geographical footprint confined to specific East African regions. The botanical records established by Albert Peter remain a vital contribution to understanding the specialized floristic landscape of this territory.
Geography of distribution
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Tanzania
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 …
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 …