TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Botanical family: Portulacaceae

Number of plants found: 10    

Ceraria namaquensis, Portulacaria namaquensis, Namaqualand Ceraria, False Portulacaria, Namaqua Porkbush

Ceraria namaquensis, Portulacaria namaquensis

Namaqualand Ceraria, False Portulacaria, Namaqua Porkbush
Family: Didiereaceae    (Formerly:Portulacaceae)
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Origin: South Africa
Plant used for bonsaiSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterPink flowers

Very slow growing smallish, woody stemmed desert shrub with many short, spiky semi-deciduous, succulent leaves. It is usually grown grafted on Portulacaria afra.



Ceraria namaquensis, Portulacaria namaquensis, Namaqualand Ceraria, False Portulacaria, Namaqua Porkbush


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ceraria_namaquensis.htm

Lewisia cotyledon, Cliff Maids

Lewisia cotyledon

Cliff Maids
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: California
Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersUnusual colorBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowers

Colors range from white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, yellow, orange to red and crimson. The unusual color of this small shrub ranges from two to five feet in height and is native to California. It's optimal growth lies between full sun exposure and partial shade exposure, as it does not require an excessive amount of sunlight or water.

To effectively grow Lewisia cotyledon in the climate, the soil must be rich and well-drained, but not too dry. The soil must also have plenty of organic matter and it is recommended to avoid planting near the coast or in areas highly exposed to salt winds. This is because the air can cause the foliage to dry out and the flowers may not form correctly or may not hold up against the drying out.

To water properly, Lewisia cotyledon should be consistently and regularly watered, so that the soil is moist but not soggy. During times of drought, additional watering may be necessary, especially if the plant is in a pot. During colder conditions, the soil should be kept a bit more moist and the plant should be protected from direct frost.

When it comes to caring for Lewisia cotyledon, it benefits from a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus during the flowering period. This help the plant produce a better display of flowers. In colder regions, it is also beneficial to grow Lewisia cotyledon in a pot, because this will help to protect the plant from cold temperatures and frost.



Lewisia cotyledon, Cliff Maids
Lewisia cotyledon, Cliff Maids


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/lewisia_cotyledon.htm

Portulaca grandiflora, Moss rose, Perslane, Purslane

Portulaca grandiflora

Moss rose, Perslane, Purslane
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina
Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsDeciduous plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant

Fleshy stems and leaves, they are one of the very few annual succulents. They tolerate heat and drought, which is a characteristic of their more "native" relative, Portulaca oleracea. The leaves are cylindrical, about an inch long, and pointed on the tips. The roselike flowers are about an inch across and come in bright colors like rose pink, red, yellow, white, and orange. Some are striped or spotted with contrasting colors. Moss rose grows well in poor, sandy or gravelly soils. The soil must be very well-drained. Drought tolerant, but flowers best with regular watering. Don't water with overhead irrigation, which can damage the flowers. The seeds are very tiny, so mix them with sand before sowing to make them easier to scatter. Seeds can be sown directly outside where they are to grow in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/portulaca_grandiflora.htm

Portulaca molokiniensis, Hawaiian Portulaca, 'Ihi

Portulaca molokiniensis

Hawaiian Portulaca, 'Ihi
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: Pacific Islands
Plant with caudexSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterYellow, orange flowers

Native to Pacific Islands, Portulaca molokiniensis, or Hawaiian Portulaca, is a small shrub, typically growing to between 2 to 5 feet tall. Its caudex, a thickened swelling of the main stem, acts as a water reservoir during periods of drought. This plant is perfect for gardeners who desire a low maintenance plant and loves full sun and moderate water. Though, the plant will tolerate hot climates and can even go into periods of drought without too much interruption.

The flowers on this plant are of yellow and orange variety, giving each plant an extra beautiful touch. When in bloom, they emit a light and pleasant scent throughout the area.

Portulaca molokiniensis is easy to grow and propagate, doing best in USDA Zones 9-11. When growing in cold areas, these plants should be cared for in pot by keeping the container to areas of full sun, low but regular watering, and allowing the soil to dry out between watering periods.

Portulaca molokiniensis is a beautiful and resilient plant, thriving in the harshest and the sunniest of climates. With its unique coloring, sweet scent, and its low maintenance needs, it is a perfect plant to add a colorful touch to any garden.



Portulaca molokiniensis, Hawaiian Portulaca, 'Ihi
Portulaca molokiniensis, Hawaiian Portulaca, 'Ihi
Portulaca molokiniensis, Hawaiian Portulaca, 'Ihi


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/portulaca_molokiniensis.htm

Portulaca oleracea , Common Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Common Purslane
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: Tropical Asia
Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersSpice or herb plant

Fleshy stems and leaves, they are one of the very few annual succulents. They tolerate heat and drought.

A Purslane cultivar grown as a vegetable. There are a number of cultivars, some rose pink, red, yellow, white, and orange flowers.





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/portulaca_oleracea.htm

Portulaca werdermannii , Eleven hours Purslane

Portulaca werdermannii

Eleven hours Purslane
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: Brazil
USDA Zone: 10?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterPink flowers

Portulaca werdermannii is a prostrate succulent species with terminal, violet-fuchsia flowers.



Portulaca werdermannii , Eleven hours Purslane
Portulaca werdermannii , Eleven hours Purslane


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/portulaca_werdermannii.htm

Portulacaria afra, Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush, Baby Jade, Crassula Portulacaria. Portulacaria afra 'Aurea'
Portulacaria afra 'Aurea'

Portulacaria afra

Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush, Baby Jade, Crassula Portulacaria
Family: Didiereaceae    (Formerly:Portulacaceae)
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Origin: South Africa
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapPlant with caudexPlant used for bonsaiLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterPink flowersEdible plantSpice or herb plant

This interesting plant can be used as an indoor bonsai where sunlight or strong artificial light is sufficiently available. The plant known to us as P. Afra was first illustrated from a rooted cutting in 1732 by Dr. Johann Jakob Dillenius, Oxford professor of botany, in his Hortus elthamensis. Not having flowered, it was understandably thought to be a species of Crassula. The common names derive from the succulent nature of the plant's leaves and stout trunk, and also from the observation that elephants will browse upon this. This is a stout juicy-stemmed, soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree, in the ground growing about 9 ft tall. The diameter of the trunk can be 9" or more. The leaves and young branches/branch tips are quite phototropic. Older branches, gray, shiny and up to 2" thick, will hang down or trail on the ground. Spreading outward, less frequently they will grow erect, especially at the center of the plant. Has opposite, obovate (egg-shaped), glabrous, very fleshy, blunt green leaves usually less than 1" long and without a distinct petiole or leaf stem. The flowers are white/pink/rose/lilac-colored. In South Africa P. afra bears these star-shaped flowers in late spring and summer after the rains, but seldom blooms in the western U.S., Hawaii, or Florida. The flowers are rare in cultivation, but if kept very dry the older and presumably unpruned plants may flower after rain. The berry-like fruit is pinkish, small, light, dry, transparent. Leaves of plants grown in full sun are smaller than those of the same variety grown in partial shade. Full sun is also known to bleach the leaves to a pale yellowish color on some large potted specimens. Brown patches on leaves can be due to sun scorch. Move the affected plant to a more airy place and shade from the hot sun for two weeks. Cuttings can become rooted in water, but after about one month the cutting needs to be put in soil or else it will rot.

In Africa, it is a favorite food for both Elephants and Rhinoceros, and is grown in farms for feeding both animals and people. The foliage when eaten raw, steamed, lightly boiled, or especially stir-fried, is not only delicious but actually very nutritious, containing more beneficial Beta 3 fatty acids than most fish.

Read more about Portulacaria afra.





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/portulacaria_afra.htm

Talinum paniculatum variegatum, Variegated Jewels of Opar

Talinum paniculatum variegatum

Variegated Jewels of Opar
Family: Portulacaceae
Origin: Americas
USDA Plant Hardiness MapGroundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunModerate waterOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowersPink flowers

The variegated form of Jewels of Opar has excellent creamy white edged foliage, handsome enough alone, but especially nice when set off by the wiry reddish stems topped with dainty pink flowers. Growing in well-drained soil with some water and lots of sun.



Talinum paniculatum variegatum, Variegated Jewels of Opar
Talinum paniculatum variegatum, Variegated Jewels of Opar


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/talinum_variegated.htm

Talinum paniculatum,Talinum roseum, Portulaca paniculata, Jewels of Opar, Florida Spinach. Talinum paniculatum 'Limon'
Talinum paniculatum 'Limon'

Talinum paniculatum,Talinum roseum, Portulaca paniculata

Jewels of Opar, Florida Spinach
Family: Portulacaceae
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunModerate waterRegular waterPink flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Beautiful low-growing shrub 2-3 ft tall with lots of bright pink flowers that open in the morning and stay open till late afternoon. Very fast growing. What makes this plant special? If you read "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar" by Edgar Rice Burroughs: "...Tarzan stooped and lifted a leathern pouch from the grisly relics of a man. The hard outlines of the contents brought an exclamation of surprise to his lips. "The jewels of Opar!" he cried, holding the pouch aloft, "and," pointing to the bones at his feet, "all that remains of Werper, the Belgian..."





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/talinum_paniculatum.htm

Talinum sp., Talinum

Talinum sp.

Talinum
Family: Portulacaceae
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersPink flowers

Talinum sp., Talinum


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/talinum_sp.htm


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