Malephora purpureocrocea (Haw.) Schwantes

Taxonomic Classification

Malephora purpureocrocea (Haw.) Schwantes is a plant species belonging to the Aizoaceae, the stone plant family, and it is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Species Differentiation

This species is closely related to Malephora crocea, and the two can be distinguished by the color of the lower surface of their petals: M. purpureocrocea has a violet-purple or purplish lower petal surface, while M. crocea has a reddish lower petal surface.

Taxonomic Treatment History

Some authors have treated the two taxa as varieties or subspecies of a single species, rather than separate species.

Naturalization Status in Malta

Among Aizoaceae species naturalized in Maltese natural habitats, this species is the second most successful naturalized species, following only Carpobrotus acinaciformis.

Known Population Location

A large population measuring 100 meters by 50 meters is located in the Cumnija area of Mellieha, near the local sewage treatment plant.