Native to southern Africa, this species has become widely known as a hardy ornamental plant. This is a mat-forming perennial herb growing in flat clumps on the ground from a woody base. Stems reach up to about 60 centimeters long. The bright green leaves are generally heart-shaped and up to 3 centimeters long. They are covered in very fine bumps. Bright pink to purplish flowers appear in the leaf axils and are open during the day. The fruit is a capsule just over a centimetre long.
The hybrid, Aptenia 'Red Apple', has, in some areas, escaped cultivation and now grows as an introduced species. Its far more vigorous growth and ability to root from small bits of stem makes it a poor choice for planting adjacent to wild lands as it can prove to be quite invasive and can become weedy.
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They certainly are hardy! And very pretty!
ReplyDeleteonce again, a new one for me
ReplyDeleteThis little flower is so cheerful! Have seen it several times her in a border of flowers - have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh, how pretty!
ReplyDeleteBrightly beautiful color combination! Thank you so fairy much for hosting.
ReplyDeleteSuch a stunning color, dear Nick!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend ... Frauke
What a nice ground-cover plant, Nick. I like this pretty pink so much!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend - maybe in pink ;)) Nicole
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful capture and nice learning about this species! Love the shapes of the leaves
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo of your ice plant Frauke. They have very pretty red blooms :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting history. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHeisann! Have a nice weekend ;:OD)
ReplyDeleteLove these gorgeous little flowers very much. I've seen this one in some gardens at the Canary Island Fuerteventura and they looks so color- and brightful!! Thanks a lot for your lovely post, Nick.
ReplyDeleteWish you a very happy and creative February.
xo, isabella
Baby sun rose is the perfect name for this little pink beauty.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
I'm a bit late for Friday Flowers, Nick, but perhaps ist's a Monday Flower ?