Mesembryanthemum guerichianum Pax APNI* Description: Annual or biennial shrub to 1 m high and 2.4 m across. Prominent succulent epidermal bladder cells, 1–2 mm across, that dry scaly. Central stem erect 30–60(-100) cm high.
Leaves opposite, decussate, petiole 18–55 mm long and base partly ensheathing stem, succulent with slightly unpleasant scent, margins undulate; blade to 11 (rarely to 15.5) cm long, to 4.5 (rarely to 5.5) cm wide and 2–3 mm thick.
Flowers (15-)40–60(-70) mm diameter. Perianth lobes 9–12 mm long. Petaloid staminodes fused in the lower part, ca. 180–220. Stamens much shorter than staminodes. Ovary 5-ridged at top. Flowers open mid afternnon and close around dusk.
Fruit a broad oblong capsule, 15–20 mm diameter and succulent when submature, 10–15 mm diameter and dry when mature.
Flowering: Flowering probably occurs from September to December as in South Africa.
Distribution and occurrence: Native of South Africa and southern Namibia Favours red brown sandy loam soils, appearing to avoid heavy soils.
NSW subdivisions: *SFWP
Previously confused with Mesembryanthemum crystallinum but that species is usually 5-20 cm high and has flowers that are usually 10-20 mm wide with ca. 100-120 staminodes.
Text by Previously confused with Mesembryanthemum crystallinum but that species is usually 5-20 cm high and has flowers that are usually 10-20 mm wide with ca. 100-120 staminodes.
Taxon concept: Chinnock, R.J., Stajsic, V. and Brodie, D.J. (2012) Plant Protection Quarterly 27: 83-88.
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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