Portulaca

The Generic name “Portulaca”, derived from ‘portula’, a dimunitive of ‘porta’ , in allution to the doorlike opening of the seed capsule. 

There are over 40 species of Portulaca found worldwide.

Portulaca grandiflora

Portulaca grandiflora is a popular garden plant originated from tropical America.  It is easy to grow and flower easily.  

Numerous cultivars have been selected for double flowers with additional petals, and for variation in flower colour, plain or variegated.

Portulaca oleracea

Portulaca oleracae is originated from the Old World.  The flowers are small, yellow, with 5 petals.  Like other Portulacas, the flowers open only a few hours on sunny mornings. 

Interestingly, P. oleracea is one of very few plants capable to utilize both CAM and C4 photosynthesis pathways. 

The specific name “olearcea” simply means ‘of cultivation’, or ‘suitable for food’.

P. oleracea’s stem, leaves and flower buds are eaten as a leaf vegetable.  It is used as salad, stir-fried, or cooked.

Portulaca pilosa

Portulaca pilosa is native to the Americas.  The flowers’ colour range from pink to purple.  The specific name “pilosa” derived from ‘pilose’, which means to be covered with long soft hairs.   P. pilosa that grow in an arid environment tends to have denser hairs.