Mexican Purslane
Portulaca mexicana
Portulaca mexicana is a low-growing succulent plant native to numerous states across Mexico. First described …
Star-papillate Purslane (Portulaca papillatostellulata)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Portulaca papillatostellulata: Taxonomy and Botanical Data
Detailed studies by botanists Avinoam Danin and H.G. Baker led to the formal description of Portulaca papillatostellulata, a specialized succulent in the Portulacaceae family. Often studied alongside the complex Portulaca oleracea aggregate, this species is identified through distinct micro-morphological characteristics. Its classification highlights the immense underlying diversity and subtle genetic variations within globally distributed purslane groups.
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 papillatostellulata (Star-papillate Purslane)
Morphology
The identification of this species relies heavily on microscopic examination of its seeds. As the specific epithet implies, the seed surface is covered in minute, star-shaped (stellulate) papillae. Beyond these intricate seed structures, the plant maintains the fleshy, water-retaining leaves and prostrate stems commonly seen in related succulent species.
Interesting facts
Avinoam Danin dedicated significant research to the Portulaca oleracea complex, using seed micro-morphology to distinguish between numerous closely related, often overlooked microspecies like P. papillatostellulata.
Geography of distribution
- USA
- Mexico
- Греция
- Italy
- Марокко
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Catalogue of Life
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Portulaca oleracea subsp. papillatostellulata
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 …