Purslane season

There are three species of Purslane family (Portulacaceae) plants in Sabino Canyon; all are blooming now. We saw all three species in the riparian area above and in the sand below the dam. (Individual species in other areas as well.) Big thanks to Ned for always shooting what I point at, even when he's leading a lizard walk.

All photos by Ned Harris

First up, Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea = milk carrying edible vegetable, but don't eat plants in the canyon, please) page 150 in Rose.

Shrubby Purslane (aka Copper Purslane) (Portulaca suffrutescens = milk carrying, somewhat shrubby) has the biggest (and thus the most noticeable) flower. Also page 150 in Rose.

I posted this purslane recently, but Ned captured some blossoms on this Crownpod (aka Wingpod) Purslane (Portulaca umbraticola = milk carrying, shade-dweller). Page 151 in - you guessed it - Rose.

You can look up botanical names in the fantastic botanical dictionary - the Botanary - part of the wonderful Dave's Garden site. (Try biebersteiniana and you'll find one of Alexa's relatives.)