Scientific Name
Portulaca molokiniensis Hobdy
Common Names
'Ihi
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulaca
Description
Portulaca molokiniensis is a unique succulent with upright, corky stems that bear fleshy rounded pale green leaves. It grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and branches profusely at or below the soil line forming clumps up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. Stems are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. They often grow closely spaced in 4 rows along the stems and tend to cluster near the ends of branches. A cluster of small lemon-yellow cup-shaped flowers appears at the ends of stout stalks that rise above the foliage.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Portulacas tolerate many kinds of soil but prefer sandy, well-drained soil and love the full sunlight. These plants are excellent for high heat and drought tolerance and will seed and spread themselves very well. Some control methods may be needed to keep Portulacas from becoming invasive to areas they are not wanted. However, these wonderful plants do spread easily and very well.
These succulents require no attention at all when growing and flowering. However, you should remove them from the garden before Portulacas have a chance to set seeds as they may take over the garden. You do not need to water often for proper Portulaca care. The cylindrical foliage of the plants retains moisture very well. Thus, regular watering is not needed. When they are watered, just a light watering will do, as their root zone is shallow.
The seeds of Portulacas should be sown on the soil surface following the last frost of spring. Ideally, these plants should be grown in a sunny part of the garden. If starting Portulaca indoors, then start about one and a half months in advance.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Portulaca.
Origin
This species is native to Pacific Islands.
Links
- Back to genus Portulaca
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
