Portulaca, << `pawr` chuh LAK uh, >> is the name of a group of herbs with dainty red, yellow, pink, white, or purple flowers. The rose moss of Brazil, grown as a garden flower, grows flat or as tall as 1 foot (30 centimeters). It has narrow, fleshy leaves about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long. The kitchen-garden portulaca grows to 11/2 feet (46 centimeters) tall, with bright yellow flowers about 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) wide, and broad leaves.
Portulacas make beautiful plants for a border or a rock garden. They grow best in a sunny location in poor, rather light soil. The flowers open only in full sun. Several species make charming potted plants. But they are not satisfactory as cut flowers.
