Split rock succulent
Pleiospilos nelii
Family: Aizoaceae
What it is like
A small succulent plant without a stem. It keeps growing from year to year. It has 1-4 pairs of leaves on each branch. The leaves are opposite, oval, stout and fleshy. They are flat on the top surface and rounded at the back. The flowers occur singly and are 7 cm across. They have short stalks and are pink to yellow. They come from between the leaves and there are 2-4 flowers on a plant. The fruit is a 9-15 chambered capsule. The seeds are oval and flattened. They have small lumps and are dark brown.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in sandy places. It grows in semi-arid areas between 870 to 1,250 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The plant is eaten as a snack.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kwaggavy