Portulaca grandiflora Hook.
Vernacular name: Moss rose, Ten o’clock flower, Cushion pink (Hindi: नौबतीया)
Species Name: Portulaca grandiflora Hook.
Family: Portulacaceae
Habit: Low-growing succulent annual
Stem: Trailing, fleshy, branched, reddish-green
Leaf: Cylindrical, fleshy, clustered at stem ends
Flowering: June-September
Flowers: Solitary or few-flowered terminal clusters; 5 delicate thin petals (rose/pink/yellow/red/white), obovate wrinkled; numerous stamens; superior ovary; radially symmetrical; close at night/cloudy days
Fruit: Capsule, circumscissile, many black reniform seeds
Uses:
- Aerial parts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties used for rashes, sore throat and burns remedy.
- Fresh juice is externally applied to treat snake and insect bites eczema like various skin conditions
- Plant is drought-tolerant and self-seedings.
- Popular ornamental for rock gardens, borders, walkways, in handing baskets and over stone walls.
- Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Seeds are powdered to be added to cereals and soups.
- It is used to make Thai flowers and leaf necklace that wards of evil spirits.
