Mesembryanthemum (means “midday flowering") is a ground-hugging, sun loving, spreading plants, perfect for rockeries, they can also be used between flagstones and in dry walls. Perfect for dry sunny locations where they will produce flowers in abundance and an ideal plant for hosepipe bans!
Mesembryanthemum is a member of the family Aizoaceae; many members of this family including the present genus are characterized by long lasting flower heads. The flowers protect their gametes from night-time dews or frosts but open in sunlight. There is obviously an evolutionary advantage of doing this; where dew, frost, wind or predators are likely to damage exposed reproductive organs, closing may be advantageous during times when flowers are unlikely to attract pollinators.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
The colour is lovely.
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