Aizoon

Description:

prostrate branches radiating from a central tap root. Its ground hugging habit combined with relatively large, fleshy, velvety leaves, which are flat but held out at right angles to the stem, give the plant a 2-dimensional appearance. The flowers of this spot, and other wild specimens, are small, greenish yellow and unobtrusive. Some cultivated varieties would appear to have larger showy yellow petals producing little yellow star-like flowers. The fruits are more noticeable as they expand laterally into a flat, disc like structure which turns a red-brown colour.

Habitat:

This species is endemic to southern Africa and is found in dry sandy areas. It likes shallow sandy soils often associated with pebbles or rocks. It can also be found in previously disturbed ground where it helps to stabalise the soil.

Notes:

Aizoon glinoides is cultivated to a limited extent as an herbaceous ground cover. It is also considered a weed of cultivation in other places with hoeing being the recommended method for removing unwanted plants.