portulaca

[ pawr-chuh-lak-uh, pohr- ]

noun

1. any of various fleshy-leaved plants of the genus Portulaca, especially P. grandiflora, widely cultivated for its showy, variously colored flowers.

portulaca

/ -ˈleɪkə; ˌpɔːtjʊˈlækə /

noun

1. any portulacaceous plant of the genus Portulaca, such as rose moss and purslane, of tropical and subtropical America, having yellow, pink, or purple showy flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of portulaca¹

1540–50; < New Latin, genus name, Latin: purslane

Word History and Origins

Origin of portulaca¹

C16: from Latin: purslane

Example Sentences

He liked rarities such as the connoisseur’s rambling rose, Aviateur Bleriot, but he saw the same regal presence in a humble nasturtium or that fleshy summer annual no longer in vogue, portulaca.

From Washington Post

Annuals that have been sown in the greenhouse or hotbed may be planted out, and seeds of such sorts as mignonette, sweet alyssum, Phlox Drummondii, portulaca, &c., may be sown in the beds or borders.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true with dahlias, zinnias, lilies, gladioli, pinks, and portulacas.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild portulaca is very abundant, and in seasons favorable to its development is a very noticeable little plant.

From Project Gutenberg

She leaned over the porch railing and stared down into the bed of gay portulaca that Grandmother tended with such care both night and morning.

From Project Gutenberg