Purslane/Portulaca

Purslanes and Portulaca are a low growing 0 to 200mm high, a prostrate to decumbent often flowing succulent annual weed. Stems and runners are normally soft and pink to brown in colour.  They are very common in a variety of soil types especially after having been recently disturbed.

There are many varieties of this weed across Australia some native and introduced widely naturalised  and a prolific seeder. Grows well in temperate to tropical regions. Seed mostly germinates around autumn, colonies rapidly responding to rain during this period. Moderately tolerant of salinity. Will shoot from stem fragments under moist conditions and spread very easily.

With a predominant tap root they pull up easily however the seed drops easily so care needs to be taken when moving them, they are controllable with selective and spot treating with non-selective herbicides.

At Lawn Addicts, we will help you with your weed identification, please contact us for more advice