Care of the plant Portulaca umbraticola or Wingpod purslane |
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The genus Portulaca, family Portulacaceae, includes more than 50 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to tropical and temperate regions of all continents. Some species are: Portulaca umbraticola, Portulaca grandiflora, Portulaca oleracea, Portulaca quadrifida, Portulaca lutea, Portulaca bicolor. Common name: Wingpod purslane. This species is native to the American continent. They are annual herbaceous plants with prostrate stems that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height and 50 cm (19.68") in diameter. The leaves are succulent, greyish green in color and oblong or spatulate with a reddish margin. The attractive and abundant flowers are up to 5 cm (1.96") in diameter and can be pink, lilac, yellow or orange. They can bloom in spring, summer, and early fall. The flowers open during the day and close at sunset. Wingpod purslane is used in hanging pots, in rockeries, on borders and to cover slopes. Portulaca umbraticola prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade receiving several hours of sun in the morning or afternoon. It resists temperatures up to 5 ºC (41 ºF). Wingpod purslane prefers a sandy (well-drained) soil that contains organic matter but also grows in poorer soils. Fertilize every 20 days in summer with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus. Portulaca umbraticola is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Wingpod purslane is propagated from seeds sown in spring directly to its final location. |
Images of the plant Portulaca umbraticola or Wingpod purslane |
 Portulaca umbraticola |