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Aizoaceae? Something else?

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:44 pm
by geotrox
This odd little succulent has me scratching my head as to its identity. I've done a lot of google image searching to no avail thus far.
Opposite fleshy leaves, VERY inconspicuous small white flowers that never seem to open (at least I haven't seen it myself) which are nested deeply in the developing leaf axils, with one flower per leaf node. The flower develops into a ~1/4" stalked, 5 partitioned seed pod that opens fairly quickly when exposed to water. The last 2 pictures illustrate the phenomenon, with the last photo taken only 3 minutes after spraying with water, which shows the remaining small dark seeds. Grows readily from the water dispersed seed. I keep as a curiosity because of the interesting seed pod/water reaction.

Re: Aizoaceae? Something else?

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:10 am
by Shane
Looks like an Aizoaceae to me. But I probably know the least about them of anyone here. I'm curious though. The seed pod trick is pretty cool

Re: Aizoaceae? Something else?

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:17 am
by Shane
The word for the seed pod's behavior is hygrochastic. Apparently nearly all Aizoaceae have hygrochastic fruits

Re: Aizoaceae? Something else?

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:44 pm
by bbarv
Mestoklema?

Re: Aizoaceae? Something else?

Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:40 pm
by geotrox
Figured it out to be Delosperma bosseranum.