PORTULACCA
A HARDY SUMMER FLOWER Many people are puzzled about what to grow in corners that are dry, or pockets in the rock garden that are fully exposed to the sun. One subject worthy of attention is portulacca, popularly termed the sun plant. The name comes from “porto.” to carry, and “lac,” milk, and is a native of tropical Brazil. This plant is an annual of dwarf tufted growth about eight inches high, bearing saucer-shaped flowers of various hues. It thrives best in the open in dry or sandy soils. The leaves are fleshy and pointed and are similar in touch to the cactus family. They do best when sown in their permanent position, although they will transplant fairly successfully. The seed is very fine and should be covered with sand and afterwards watered well until the seedlings make their appearance. When the' plants are large enough, they can be carefully thinned out. transplanting the surplus to other places or filling up any gaps in the beds. They will flower for weeks during February, March and April if the seed is sown at once.
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Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 230, 17 December 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)
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184PORTULACCA Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 230, 17 December 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)
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