About Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L.
Nomenclature and Common Name
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L. is a succulent plant species in the genus Mesembryanthemum, commonly known as slenderleaf iceplant. It is the type species of the genus.
Native Distribution
It is native to South Africa, and is also found growing in coastal areas of the Mediterranean Basin, Macaronesia, and the Middle East.
Introduced Status and Invasive Range
It is an introduced species in many other regions, and is sometimes classified as an invasive weed. These regions include several parts of Australia, areas of the western United States, adjacent Mexico, and some Atlantic islands.
Growth Habit and Size
This species is most often an annual herb. It forms a generally prostrate clump or mat of stems, which reach a maximum length of around 20 centimeters.
Leaf Characteristics
Small stem branches are covered with knob-like cylindrical fleshy leaves that grow up to 2 centimeters long.
Foliage Color and Texture
The above-ground plant tissue ranges in color from green to bright red, and has a visibly bumpy texture from shiny, bubble-shaped papillae.
Inflorescence Arrangement
Its flowers grow either singly or in loose clusters.
Flower Morphology
Each flower is approximately half a centimeter wide, with many narrow to thread-like white or pale yellow petals.
Fruit and Seed Dispersal
The fruit it produces is a capsule that opens when it gets wet to release its seeds.
