Family: Portulacaceae

These succulent plants are widespread through tropical and warm parts of the world. Most of the 40 species are annuals, but some are perennials. Erect to sprawling, the stems branch and rebranch and sometimes become quite woody. The fleshy leaves grow in whorls and the flowers are cup-shaped, with wavy-edged petals, in red, pink and yellow to white.

Species

P. grandiflora, rose moss or sun plant, is the well-known prostrate garden annual from which a number of brightly coloured cultivars, in single and double forms have been developed. Flowers come in colours of yellow, red, pink, purple and white. They open in the sun and close when it is overcast or dark. New strains that remain open in dull weather are now available. These plants rarely grow more than 15 cm (6 in) high. The blooms are not suitable for cut flowers.

P. oleracea, purslane, is the original annual purslane which is believed to have originated from India, but has since spread to many countries. It is cultivated as a salad crop, or as a leaf vegetable for cooking, when it is known as summer purslane. There are both green- and yellow-leaved types available.

Cultivation

Raise from seed sown in spring, under glass in climates which are prone to frost. Portulaca will thrive in any well-drained soil in full sun. It can tolerate exposed, windy sites and, once established, it will tolerate dry conditions well. It is an ideal choice for troughs, tubs, pots and hanging baskets, as well as for open-ground growing.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10, but grown as a summer annual in all climates.