Portulaca bicolor
Family: Portulacaceae
What it is like
A herb which grows from seed each year. It lies along the ground and spreads 1-10 cm wide. The stems are fleshy. The leaves are 0.3-0.8 cm long by 0.3-0.8 cm wide. They are broadly oval or round. They are green, bronze or reddish. They are fleshy. The flowers are 0.5-0.6 cm across and yellow, pink or purple. They occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. They open in the afternoon. The capsules are about 0.3 cm long. The seeds are black.
There are about 200 Portulaca species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in inland districts in Australia on shallow soils. It needs very good drainage and a sunny position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.