Mesembryanthemum aitonis is an awesome succulent ground cover, often taking up the role of a pioneer plant in disturbed areas. It is fast growing and easy to maintain, and one can propagate them forward either by cuttings or seeds.One can achieve great landscaping results on an embankment or in mass flower bed planting in quite quick time when using several of these plants.

Bees and pollinators love the spread of resources that these plants have to offer. When the flowers open during the warm periods of the day, one can often see happy bees digging for pollen in the flowers of Mesembryanthemum aitonis.

They are creeping plants which usually grow flat along the ground, however, they can grow upwards if suitable plants are nearby. This means that one should be careful of planting this plant near small/low growing plants or those with slow growth rates as this plant may grow on top of them and prevent them from getting sunlight.

Mesembryanthemum aitonis grows as an annual, biennial, or sometimes a perennial depending on water supply as well as nutrient availability.

Growth Habit of Mesembryanthemum aitonis

Stems of Mesembryanthemum aitonis

The stems are rounded with faint angular ridges that run along the length of the stem. The stems are coloured green and maroon (deep red).

Leaves of Mesembryanthemum aitonis

The leaves are relatively flat with a wavy structure, while having a slightly textured surface (almost as if dusted with icing sugar).

Flowers of Mesembryanthemum aitonis

The white flowers are small with a diameter of 0.5-2cm. Nevertheless, they attract many bees and other insects, due to the fact that they offer a desirable pollen and nectar. Their blooming period is from September to January.

Distribution of Mesembryanthemum aitonis

Mesembryanthemum aitonis occurs in the southern region of South Africa, including both the Western and Eastern Provinces, which means they are amicable to both summer and winter rainfall patterns.

Good companion plants for Mesembryanthemum aitonis

►Browse: Pelargonium zonale – wildemalva, horseshoe

► Browse: Dietes grandiflora – large wild iris, fairy iris 

► Browse: Cotyledon orbiculata var orbiculata – pig’s ear, round-leafed navel-wort

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