Portuluca Grandiflora
A las diyes/ Moss rose
A las diyes/ Moss rose
Information obtained from Godofredo U. Stuart Jr. M.D. (StuartXchange
Portulaca grandiflora commonly known as moss rose, is an annual succulent prized for its ornamental qualities. It typically reaches heights of 6-8 inches and spreads up to 12 inches wide. Its distinctive features include ruffled, rose-like flowers up to 1 inch in diameter, which bloom from summer to frost in colors ranging from red, rose, orange, yellow, white, to pastel shades. The flowers,
available in single, semi-double, or double forms, remain closed on cloudy or rainy days. The plant forms a dense mat of moss-like foliage with cylindrical, fleshy leaves clustered along reddish stems, adding to its visual appeal in gardens and containers.
Kingdom: Plantae
Sub kingdom: Viridiplantae
Superdivision: Embryophyta
Division: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Caryophyllidae
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Portulacaceae
Genus: Portulaca
Species: Portulaca grandiflora
It features ruffled, rose-like flowers up to 1" in diameter, available in red, rose, orange, yellow, white, and pastel shades. Blooms can be single, semi-double, or double and last from summer to the first frost, closing on cloudy or rainy days. The plant has small, succulent-like leaves, typically bright green, and grows 4 to 8 inches tall with a spreading habit. Portulaca thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil, making it drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It is ideal for hot, dry areas and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Industrial Uses:
Biofuel Research: The succulent nature of Portulaca grandiflora suggests it could be studied for its potential as a source of biofuels or bioenergy
Land Reclamation: Portulaca grandiflora is used in landscaping and as a ground cover to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which indirectly supports environmental sustainability efforts.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
Portulaca grandiflora Hook. has been used in eastern traditional medicine for alleviating sore throat, for skin rashes and for
detoxification.
P. grandiflora is also used for medicinal purposes since it is rich in vitamins A, C, and B1 and has cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity.
Pharmacological Uses:
The plant is employed for therapeutic purposes as an antioxidant, antibacterial agent, antidiabetic treatment, sore throat reliever, rash treatment, and detoxifier. It also plays a significant role in catalyzing the biotransformation of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and exhibits cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. This review specifically examines aspects such as cultivation practices, nutritional and chemical composition, as well as the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Portulaca grandiflora.
Flavonoids
Betacyanins
Alkaloids
Saponins
Triterpinoids
Phenolic acids
The Native distribution of Portulaca grandiflora is in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Northern Argentina
Prefers a full sun and little water as this plant have a fast plant growth rate