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 | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Portulacaceae |
| Genus: | Portulaca |
| Species: | P. sclerocarpa
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| 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- ^ a b c Portulaca sclerocarpa. The Nature Conservancy.
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