Common Ice-plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), a dew-spangled exotic relative of Australia’s friendly native pigfaces. The name ‘Ice-plant’ refers to the prominent bladder cells which store water … Read the full post
Coastal Galenia, Blanket Weed, Carpet Weed (Galenia pubescens)
Coastal Galenia, Blanket Weed, Carpet Weed (Galenia pubescens). A South African blanketing groundcover, this relative of native and non-native pig faces and ice plants in … Read the full post
Heartleaf Iceplant (Aptenia cordifolia)
Heartleaf Iceplant (Aptenia cordifolia), a South African relative of Australia’s native pigfaces. Marketed by Melbourne nurseries since at least 1876 (thanks G. Brunning), this species … Read the full post
Cape Fig or Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)
Cape Fig or Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis), part of the palette of the metropolitan’s fluorescent coast, and another South African import that has transformed urban … Read the full post
Dew Flower (Drosanthemum candens)
Dew Flower (Drosanthemum candens) seen here in a coastal setting. Even though it was past its flowering peak, this incredible colony behind a lifesaving station … Read the full post
Dew Flower (Drosanthemum candens)
Dew Flower (Drosanthemum candens), a South African member of the ice plant family that has sparsely established around Port Phillip Bay as well as on … Read the full post