Portulacaceae
Portulacaceae Juss. Following modern molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially narrowed the circumscription of the family, with several former genera transferred to Montiaceae, Talinaceae, Anacampserotaceae, and Didiereaceae. In its current circumscription, Portulacaceae comprises approximately 2 genera and 100–120 species, with Portulaca representing nearly all species. Members are characterized by succulent herbs with fleshy leaves, two sepals, brightly coloured flowers, superior ovaries, and circumscissile capsules.
Key characteristics
- Succulent annual or perennial herbs
- Stems fleshy and often prostrate
- Leaves simple, entire, succulent
- Flowers brightly coloured and actinomorphic
- Sepals two
- Stamens numerous
- Ovary superior
- Fruit a circumscissile capsule (pyxis)
Distribution
Portulacaceae is distributed mainly in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions of the world. Species are especially abundant in Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Americas, occupying deserts, dry grasslands, sandy soils, rocky habitats, cultivated fields, roadsides, and coastal areas. In Pakistan, Portulacaceae is widely distributed throughout, Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, Thal Desert, Cholistan Desert, Indus plains, and coastal regions. Species commonly occur in cultivated fields, gardens, roadsides, wastelands, sandy soils, dry riverbeds, and disturbed habitats, particularly during the summer monsoon. Common Pakistani species include Portulaca oleracea, Portulaca quadrifida, Portulaca pilosa, Portulaca grandiflora (cultivated).