Portulaca grandiflora - Flora of Qatar

Portulaca hilaireana, Portulaca immersostellulata, Portulaca mendocinensis, Portulaca multistaminata, Portulaca pilosa

Common names

Portulaca grandiflora is a flowering plant in the family Portulacaceae, native to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay and often cultivated in gardens. It has many common names, including moss-rose purslane, eleven o'clock, Mexican rose, moss rose, sun rose, and rock rose.[+]

It is also seen in South Asia and widely spread in most of the cities with old 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the Balkans. In Bangladesh, it is called "time fuul", meaning "time flower", because the flower has a specific time to bloom. In India, it is called "nau bajiya" or "9 o'clock flower" as it blooms in morning around 9:00 am. In Vietnam, it is called "hoa mười giờ" meaning "ten o'clock flower", because the flower is usually in full bloom at 10:00 in the morning. Its buds are often chewed by small birds like the house sparrow.

It is a small, but fast-growing annual plant growing to 30 cm tall, though usually less. However if it is cultivated properly it can easily reach this height. The leaves are thick and fleshy, up to 2.5 cm long, arranged alternately or in small clusters. The flowers are 2.5–3 cm diameter with five petals, variably red, orange, pink, white, and yellow.

AI-generated Description

Portulaca grandiflora, also known as Moss Rose, is an annual succulent plant native to South America. In Qatar, it thrives as an ornamental plant due to its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers. It grows up to 30 cm tall, with fleshy stems and leaves, producing showy, cup-shaped flowers in various colors. In Qatari gardens, it flourishes in well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from spring to fall, and is often used as a groundcover or in containers.

AI-generated summary of observations

Portulaca grandiflora was observed to have red flowers, as seen on the Corniche promenade in Doha and in Al Shamal City Park in Ruwais. The plant was also found to have white flower buds, as noted on the Corniche promenade. Honey bees were spotted on the white flowers of the plant, indicating its attractiveness to pollinators. The observations took place in June and November, suggesting that the plant blooms during these months in Qatar's climate. The plant was planted in public spaces, such as promenades and city parks, highlighting its use as an ornamental species. Different varieties of the plant were observed, including Tequila Cherry and Tequila White, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability to different environments.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Portulaca grandiflora Hook.

Synonyms