Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Few-seeded Purslane (Portulaca oligosperma)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Portulaca oligosperma: Species Overview and Distribution
Endemic to several territories within Australia, Portulaca oligosperma grows as a distinct member of the Portulacaceae family. The species was first formally described and classified by the renowned botanist Ferdinand von Mueller. It exists as a natural component of the regional flora without any globally recognized commercial applications.
Its natural habitat spans across vast landscapes of the Australian continent. Specifically, documented populations are found within Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, where it adapts to local environmental conditions.
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 oligosperma (Few-seeded Purslane)
Morphology
The morphological features of the species are typical of the genus: the plant has succulent leaves and stems, which minimize moisture loss. The specific epithet oligosperma translates to 'few-seeded,' indicating a reduced number of seeds in the capsule compared to other related taxa.
Typically, the clumps spread along the soil surface, which further protects the root system from excessive overheating under the conditions of Australian deserts and savannas.
Interesting facts
The species' range covers vast areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, where the plant is an integral part of local arid ecosystems.
Geography of distribution
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
Sources
- POWO (Plants of the World Online)
- GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
- Wikidata
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 …