Portulaca pilosa L. - Pink Purslane, Kiss Me Quick
Family - Portulacaceae
Stems:
Stem, with leaves removed to show trichomes.
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - May - October.
Habitat - Dry sandy soil of roadsides, disturbed areas, sandhills, waste ground.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This little species can be found mainly in the southern half of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its succulent leaves, sprawling habit, pink flowers, and very prominent trichomes originating from the leaf axils.
The genus name Portulaca is the old Latin name for Purslane. It derives from the Latin "port" meaning "carry" and "lac" meaning "milk". The name means "milk-carrier".
The species epithet pilosa refers to the long hairs of the plant. "Pilos" is Latin for "hairy".
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 60 near Yeehaw Junction, FL., 2-13-03.