Rounded noon-flower, Round-leaved Pig Face
Disphyma crassifolium

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb which lies along the ground. It is soft and succulent. It can spread 1-2 m wide. It can form dense mats over the ground. The branches root at the nodes. The leaves are sausage shaped. They are fleshy. They are 2-3 cm long and rounded in cross section. They can be red. The flowers are 1-5 cm across. They are light purple with some white colour. The fruit is a capsule which becomes dry and hard at maturity.

There are 3 Disphyma species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in drier sandy parts of salt marshes and on cliffs. It grows in coastal locations and up to 500 km inland. It can tolerate drought and frost. It does well on salty soils. It needs good drainage.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Pacific, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from stem or leaf cuttings. It can also be grown from seed. Cuttings form roots quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum crassifolium L.;