Heart-leaved Noon-flower, Heart-leaved Iceplant
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A succulent creeper. It grows 5 cm high and spreads 40-100 cm wide. The leaves are fleshy and heart shaped. They are 1-2 cm long. The leaves are covered with felty hairs. The flowers are 2 cm across. The are deep red to scarlet. They are yellow or white in the centre. The flowers only open when the sun shines.

There are only 2 Aptenia species. They occur in South Africa. Also in family Mesembryanthaceae.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It is native to Southern Africa. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. It needs moisture in hot weather and can withstand dry in cool weather. It suits a gritty, well drained soil. It needs full sun. It grows on sand and in disturbed coastal heath. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, North America, Pacific, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

It is grown by short tip cuttings. These root easily.

Its other names

Local names

Baby sun-rose, Rosa del sol

Synonyms

Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) Schwantes; Litocarpus cordifolius (L.f.) L. Bolus; Ludolfia cordifolius (L.f.) L. Bolus; Tetracoilanthus cordifolius (L.f.) Rappa & Camarrone;