Lampranthus roseus


Ice plant


Aizoaceae - Mesembriantheum family                                                             Dicot

 
 

An alien species from South Africa, L. roseus was probably introduced as a garden plant in the area of the kastro but has become naturalised on the sea cliffs, where the bright red flowers contrast with the turquoise-blue of the Aegean Sea below. It is a succulent plant which is well suited to the Mediterranean environment. The common English term "ice Plant' refers to the tiny crystals which collect on the surface of the leaves during dry spells.

Lampranthus are similar to the larger Caprobrotus (Hottentot fig) but the leaves are oval in cross section not triangular.

 
3-5mm  10-20m
30-80cm
                               JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
 
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