Plant · GBIF taxon 3084700
moss rose
Portulaca grandifloraAlso known as Rose Moss, Eleven O'Clock, Mexican Rose, Sun Rose
Moss rose spreads into vibrant, carpet-like mats clothed in cylindrical succulent leaves that store precious moisture. Its bright, paper-thin flowers unfurl strictly during direct sunlight and close tightly on cloudy days or by late afternoon. Native to hot, arid plains in South America, this resilient groundcover flourishes in sandy soil where other garden plants wither.
SucculentFloweringDrought Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Aphids
ThreatsExcessive soil moisture, prolonged freezing temperatures
HabitatsSandy fields, rocky slopes, disturbed ground, garden beds
Life span1 year (annual in cool climates; tender perennial in tropics)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyPortulacaceae
- GenusPortulaca
- SpeciesPortulaca grandiflora
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to pets if ingested due to soluble calcium oxalates; keep out of reach.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause hypersalivation, lethargy, and kidney failure if ingested by dogs or cats.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for needle-like succulent leaves and shiny, cup-shaped flowers opening in full sunlight.
- What to do
- Place in raised beds or hanging baskets away from grazing domestic animals.
Responsible observation
- Sunlight Access: Ensure plants receive at least six hours of direct sun daily for blooms to open.
- Watering Regime: Allow the top layers of soil to dry completely between light waterings.
- Soil Preparation: Mix sand or fine gravel into soil beds to prevent root rot.
Order Companion no rights reserved, uploaded by Francesco Cecere · cc0
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
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