Mystery Plant from New Mexico

[Nick Harby]

Have you figured this one out yet?  My first quick impression is that it
resembles purslane,  being succulent and growing in the middle of summer.
Do you think it could be one of the Portulacaceae?  Could anyone tell me
why it couldn't possibly be one of the Portulacaceae, based on Monique's
description?

http://www.keil.ukans.edu/delta/angio/www/portulac.htm

Monique Reed wrote:

> Does anyone recognize the plant pictured and described at
> http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/tfplab/mysteryplant.html  ?  I
> collected it near Las Cruces New Mexico on July 11, 2001.
>
> At the time, I thought it was sterile and distinct enough vegetatively
> to identify, so didn't collect additional material to keep fresh to
> key from.
>
> Looking at it closely today, though, I note it does have fruit and
> tiny, perfect flowers.
>
> I'm sure it's common as dirt and twice as obvious, but identification
> eludes me.
>
> Monique Reed
> Texas A&M University