Portulaca

Portulaca is a genus of flowering plants in the family Portulacaceae and is the type genus of that family.

Portulaca is a genus of flowering plants in the family Portulacaceae and is the type genus of that family. The group includes more than 100 species found mainly in tropical and warm temperate regions, and is commonly called purslane. Some species are edible, while others are grown as ornamental plants.

Taxonomy

Portulaca is a genus of flowering plants within the family Portulacaceae. As the type genus of that family, it serves as the defining representative for the group.

Distribution

Portulaca species are native to tropical and warm temperate regions around the world. Some species, particularly common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), have become naturalized in other areas and can be invasive.

Uses

Portulaca species have a variety of uses. Portulaca oleracea, known as common purslane, is edible and consumed as a leafy vegetable. Portulaca grandiflora, also called moss rose, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its showy flowers.

Common names

The genus Portulaca is commonly referred to as purslane. In horticulture, ornamental species such as Portulaca grandiflora are often called moss rose.