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Glite Dictionary
Portulaca

Portulaca

9.9
A small plant with thick leaves often grown for bright summer flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌpɔr.tʃəˈleɪ.kə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : portulaca
  • Many species within the Portulaca genus are valued as ornamental plants.

Examples

  • The garden was filled with colorful Portulaca blooming in the summer heat.

  • Researchers studied the drought resistance of Portulaca in arid climates.

  • The garden is filled with Portulaca this summer.

  • Many people enjoy planting Portulacas in their yards.

  • In my garden, I planted portulaca because it can survive the intense summer heat.

  • The vibrant flowers of portulaca attract butterflies and bees, making it a favorite among gardeners.

  • During our trip to the tropical beach, we noticed portulaca growing along the sandy shore.

Compounds

Portulaca oleracea
  • Specialized
8.8

A small plant with crunchy, slightly sour leaves often used in salads

Portulaca grandiflora
  • Specialized
9.6

A low garden plant with thick, moss-like leaves and bright flowers

Surface Forms

Portulaca singular
Portulacas plural

Etymology

Portulaca comes from an old Latin name for the plant and is the scientific name for the common salad plant purslane. A helpful way to remember it is to picture low, fleshy herbs that spread across the ground like a green carpet, because Portulaca now names these small, trailing plants.