Portulaca sclerocarpa is a rare species of flowering plant in the purslane family known by the common names 'ihi makole and po`e. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, where it is known only from the island of Hawaii and an islet off of Lanai. Ten occurrences exist for a total of over 1000 individuals. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.[1]

Portulaca sclerocarpa

Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Portulacaceae
Genus: Portulaca
Species:
P. sclerocarpa
Binomial name
Portulaca sclerocarpa

This is a perennial herb with short, woody branches growing up to about 20 centimeters long. It produces white, pink, or bicolored flowers. The plant grows on cinders and lava substrates.[1]

Threats to this rare species include introduced ungulates and plants, fires, and volcanic activity.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c Portulaca sclerocarpa. The Nature Conservancy.