Portulaca sclerocarpa

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Portulaca sclerocarpa

Status: Imperiled (NatureServe). Federally listed as endangered in the United States.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Portulacaceae
Genus: Portulaca
Species: P. sclerocarpa
Binomial name: Portulaca sclerocarpa A.Gray

Overview:
Portulaca sclerocarpa is a rare flowering plant in the purslane family. It is endemic to Hawaii, found only on the island of Hawaii and on a small islet near Lanai. There are about 10 known populations, totaling more than 1,000 individual plants.

Description:
This perennial herb has short, woody branches up to about 20 centimeters long. It produces white, pink, or two-colored flowers.

Habitat:
It grows on cinders and lava substrates.

Threats:
Threats include introduced animals and plants, fires, and volcanic activity.