Portulaca, a birthday flower of July 16th

Portulaca is one of the birthday flowers of July 16th annually, as well as September 26th and 29th. It is one of my personal favorite summer flowers. Something greatly influenced by the portulaca flower display, pictured, that I like to go to see annually in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo. This photo was taken on July 13th. 

Portulaca a small, sun‑loving flower that thrives even in heat and dryness. It doesn't need much water to survive. The blossoms close at night and reopen the next day - but only if there is sunlight! Its blooming season stretches from June to October. Individual blooms may not last more than a few days, but this ornamental plant can produce flowers for many weeks, even months. 

In the Japanese language of flowers (Hanakotoba), Portulaca carries the very apt meaning of "itsumo genki" which can be translated as "always full of energy" or "always cheerful". They make me cheerful too!

Do you know of any other Portulaca flower displays in Japan?