Description

• Portulaca pilosa, commonly known as shaggy purslane or kiss-me-quick, is a low-growing, succulent annual or short-lived perennial herb in the purslane family (Portulacaceae).

• It has slender, fleshy stems that spread along the ground or grow somewhat upright, often forming small, spreading mats.

• The leaves are small, cylindrical to narrowly oblong, and succulent, with clusters of fine, white hairs in the leaf axils that give the plant its characteristic shaggy appearance.

• The flowers are usually bright pink to magenta, occasionally white, and grow in small clusters near the stem tips. They typically open in sunny conditions.

• The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny, dark seeds.

Range

• Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.

• It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Grows in open, sunny habitats, including sandy or rocky ground, coastal areas, grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed sites.

• Favours well-drained soils and tolerates heat, drought, and nutrient-poor conditions.

• Often grows in exposed locations where its succulent leaves and stems help it withstand periods of limited moisture.