Aizoon pubescens explained

Aizoon pubescens (Galenia or Coastal Galenia) is a low-growing perennial herb in the family Aizoaceae. It is native to South Africa (Cape Provinces, Free State, and Northern Provinces) and naturalised elsewhere.[1]

Description

The species is prostrate or decumbent, with ovate to spatulate leaves which are covered with hairs when young.[1] The flowers are white with a slight pink tinge, and yellow with age.[1] They are followed by capsules which contain shiny, black seeds, about 1 mm in length.[1]

Naturalisation

In Australia, the species is naturalised in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.[2] In New South Wales, under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, it is regarded as a noxious weed in the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth regions.[1]

The species is disliked by some beekeepers. Although it produces nectar profusely and bees like it, the nectar makes honey taste slightly bitter.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Galenia pubescens . 2009-04-25 . PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online . Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia.
  2. Web site: Galenia pubscens . 2009-04-25 . Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra.