Scientific Name
Portulaca umbraticola Kunth
Common Name(s)
Chinese Hat, Crownpod Purslane, Wingpod Purslane
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulaca
Etymology
The specific epithet "umbraticola" (pronounced "awl-lur-RAY-see-uh") means "shade-dweller; growing in the shade" and refers to the plant's typical native habitat.
Description
Portulaca umbraticola is an annual or short-lived perennial succulent with prostrate to suberect stems, fleshy leaves, and big, showy flowers. The stems are fleshy, hairless, green, often reddish, and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The green leaves can be inversely ovate, spoon-shaped, or sometimes lance-shaped.
The flowers are yellow or have yellow petals with red or copper tips, and they appear in the summer. They can reach a diameter of 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). The fruits are obovoid or turbinate capsules with gray seeds. They can grow up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
Portulaca umbraticola is often incorrectly sold under the name Portulaca oleracea. The uncultivated species is usually considered a weed, but is the hybrid parent to many ornamental Purslanes.
Origin
The native range of Portulaca umbraticola extends across both North America and South America. It grows in sandy soils on granitic and sandstone outcrops at elevations ranging from 3000 to 6000 feet (915 to 1830 m).
Subspecies of Portulaca umbraticola
- Portulaca umbraticola subsp. coronata
- Portulaca umbraticola subsp. lanceolata
- Portulaca umbraticola subsp. umbraticola
How to Grow and Care for Portulaca umbraticola
Portulaca plants tolerate a wide range of soils but prefer sandy, well-drained soil and thrive in full sunlight. These plants are excellent for high heat and drought tolerance and will grow and spread well. Some control methods may be necessary to prevent Portulacas from becoming invasive in unwanted areas. However, these beautiful plants spread easily and readily.
These succulents require minimal attention during growth and flowering. However, you should remove them from the garden before Portulacas set seed, as they may take over. You do not need to water Portulaca frequently to care for it properly. The cylindrical foliage of the plants retains moisture very well. Thus, regular watering is not required. When they are watered, a light watering is sufficient, as their root zone is very shallow.
The seeds of Portulacas should be sown on the soil surface after the last spring frost. 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Portulaca.
Links
- Back to genus Portulaca
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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