About Conicosia pugioniformis (L.) N.E.Br.
Scientific Name and Common Names
Conicosia pugioniformis (L.) N.E.Br. is a succulent plant species in the ice plant family, commonly called narrow-leaved iceplant and pigroot.
Native Range and Introduced Status
It is native to South Africa, and occurs as an introduced species on other continents, where it is sometimes classified as a noxious weed.
Invasive Status in California
It is an invasive species on California’s Central Coast, where it poses a minor threat to native coastal vegetation. It is less harmful than other invasive iceplant species.
Growth Form and Perennating Structure
This plant is a short-lived perennial herb that grows from an underground caudex. If its aboveground parts are destroyed, it can resprout vegetatively from this caudex.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are fleshy, finger-shaped, gray-green, hairless, and can reach 20 centimeters in length.
Inflorescence and Flower Size
The inflorescence is a single bad-smelling flower that can grow up to 8 centimeters wide.
Petal Arrangement
The flower bears rings of up to 250 thin petals.
