Lampranthus glaucus (L.) N.E.Br.

Taxonomic Identity and Native Range

Lampranthus glaucus is a plant species in the genus Lampranthus that is native to South Africa and naturalized in gardens worldwide.

Growth Form and Size

It typically grows as a compact, rounded shrub reaching 0.1 to 0.3 metres (0.3 to 1.0 ft) in height.

Foliage and Flower Characteristics

The species has succulent leaves and produces large numbers of orange to yellow flowers between August and October.

Flowering Behavior and Common Name

Its flowers open fully in direct sun, which has earned them the common name of noon flowers.

Habitat and Soil Preferences

It grows well in well-drained sandy soils, and grows poorly in clay soils.

Invasive Status

L. glaucus is classified as an invasive introduced species in Western Australia and New Zealand.

Initial Formal Description

This species was first formally described by botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his publication Species Plantarum, under the name Mesembryanthemum glaucum.

Subsequent Genus Reclassification

It was later reclassified into the genus Lampranthus as Lampranthus glaucus by Nicholas Edward Brown in 1930, published in the journal Gardeners' Chronicle.

Taxonomic Synonyms

Several other taxonomic synonyms exist for this species, including Lampranthus glaucoides, Lampranthus aurantiacus, Mesembryanthemum aurantium and Mesembryanthemum aurantiacum.