Portulacaceae - Purslane Family
|
The Portulacaceae includes around 450 species of leaf succulents, herbs and shrubs in 12 genera including Avonia, Anacampseros, Ceraria, Portulacaria and Portulaca (Purslanes). The Portulacaceae is the closest family to the Cactaceae, and the two families may share a common ancestor.
Ceraria are shrubs with small succulent leaves. Ceraria namaquensis is a shrubby plant with tiny gray-green ovoid leaves along its stems. It is usually grown grafted on Portulacaria afra. Ceraria pygmaea is a dwarf caudiciform plant with small rounded gray-green leaves. It grows happily on its own roots.
Lewisia (named for: Meriwether Lewis 1774-1809) from North America, is a semi-succulent genus, popular with alpine growers for its bright flowers. Lewisia columbiana is a succulent alpine with fleshy leaves and a small caudex. The fleshy roots of some species (e.g. Lewisia rediviva - Bitterroot) were collected for food by American indians.
L. rediviva is the state flower of Montana.
Portulaca (Purslanes) is the type genus of the Portulacaceae Family. The Purslanes are mostly weedy plants but Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose) is often used for annual summer bedding. Selected cultivars are available in bright pinks and yellow and with double flowers.
Portulacaria is a monotypic genus from Africa. Portulacaria afra (Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush) is a bushy tree. A variegated cultivar is available.
Cultivation:
Avonia and Anacampseros grow well at moderate to cooler temperatures in partial sun. The pink to white flowers typically open for about an hour period during the late afternoon, so many people miss their opening and believe that these plants set seed without opening their flowers. They enjoy a gritty free-draining soil with added organic material and low to moderate watering depending on the species. Caudiciform species should be watered very sparingly.
Lewisias like very well-drained, low fertility, acidic soils in sunny positions in rock gardens, scree beds or containers. Air humidity should be low with good air circulation around their crown to prevent attack by fungi. Under such conditions they can be watered freely during the growing season. Species with a dormant period should be kept drier while out of leaf.
|
|
Plant Families including Succulent Species 
