Aizoon pubescens
Aizoon pubescens (Galenia or Coastal Galenia) is a low-growing perennial herb in the family Aizoaceae.[2][3] It is native to South Africa (Cape Provinces, Free State, and Northern Provinces) and naturalised elsewhere.[1][2]
| Aizoon pubescens | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Aizoon |
| Species: | A. pubescens |
| Binomial name | |
| Aizoon pubescens | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
The species is prostrate or decumbent with ovate to spatulate leaves which are covered with hairs when young.[2] The flowers are white with a slight pink tinge and yellow with age.[2] These are followed by capsules which contain shiny, black seeds to 1 mm in length.[2]
Naturalisation
In Australia the species is naturalised in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.[4] In New South Wales, the species is regarded as a noxious weed in the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth regions under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.[2]
The species is disliked by some beekeepers - although it produces nectar profusely and bees like it, the nectar makes honey taste slightly bitter.
References
- Aizoon pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- "Galenia pubescens". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
- "Galenia pubescens". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- "Galenia pubscens". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-04-25.