Portulaca grandiflora (Moss-rose Purslane or Moss-rose), is a succulent flowering plant in the family Portulacaceae, native to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay, and often cultivated in gardens. P. grandiflora has many common names, including Rose Moss, Eleven o'clock, Mexican Rose, Moss Rose, Sun Rose, Rock Rose, and Moss-Rose Purslane. It is also seen in South Asia and widely spread in most of the cities with old 18th-19th century architecture in the Balkans. In Bangladesh, it is called "Time Fuul", meaning "Time Flower", because the flower has a specific time to bloom. In Vietnam, it is called "Hoa mười giờ" meaning "Ten o'clock flower", because the flower is usually in full bloom at 10 o'clock in the morning.
It is a small, but fast-growing annual plant growing to 30 cm tall, though usually less. However if it is cultivated properly it can easily reach this height. The leaves are thick and fleshy, up to 2.5 cm long, arranged alternately or in small clusters. Their upright, or ascending shoots usually branch near the base. The axillary shoots typically have whitish, woolly hair covering the fleshy stems.The flowers are 2.5–3 cm diameter with five petals, variably red, orange, pink, white, and yellow. Flowers can reach a diameter of up to 4cm, with five bright colored petals which are obovate.
Numerous cultivars have been selected for double flowers with additional petals, and for variation in flower color, plain or variegated. It is widely grown in temperate climates as an ornamental plant for annual bedding or as a container plant. It requires ample sunlight and well-drained soils. It requires almost no attention and spreads itself very easily. In places with old architecture it can grow between the stones of the road or sidewalk. Seeds are often sold as mixtures, such as Double Flowering Mixture. P. grandiflora grows well in sandy soils, and grows wild in countries with a frost-free climate.
Unlike P. oleracea and P. umbraticola, it is not edible due to its bitter taste. It is however, a food source for honeybees who visit for its pollen and nectar.
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