Portulaca, Moss-Rose

Portulaca grandiflora Hooker

pour-tyo-LACK-ah grand-ah-FLOOR-ah

Portulacaceae

Explanation of name: Portula is Latin for little door, in reference to the opening of the capsule.  Grandiflora means large-flowered.

Natural range: South America, escaped in Florida

Recognition:  Semi-succulent trailing-stemmed plants with linear, flattened, semisucculent leaves and vibrantly colorful flowers resembling small roses but bright-colored.  Many diverse cultivars are available.  Portulaca oleracea L., Pusley, is a common, succulent, ground-hugging, yellow-flowered weed.

Landscape uses:  Portulacas have gained popularity in Florida in recent years as summer annuals with outstanding drought tolerance.  May be used in hot, dry, sunny garden beds, containers or hanging baskets.  Flower colors varied but usually extremely bright and showy. Flowers close at night and when cloudy.  Although drought tolerant, best when given some supplemental water.

Internet source: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=126612