Aizoon pubescens | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Aizoaceae |
Genus: | Aizoon |
Species: | A. pubescens
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Binomial name | |
Aizoon pubescens | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Aizoon pubescens (Galenia or Coastal Galenia) is a low-growing perennial herb in the family Aizoaceae.[2][3] It is native to South Africa (Cape Provinces, Free State, and Northern Provinces) and naturalised elsewhere.[1][2]
The species is prostrate or decumbent, with ovate to spatulate leaves which are covered with hairs when young.[2] The flowers are white with a slight pink tinge, and yellow with age.[2] They are followed by capsules which contain shiny, black seeds, about 1 mm in length.[2]
In Australia, the species is naturalised in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.[4] In New South Wales, under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, it is regarded as a noxious weed in the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth regions.[2]
The species is disliked by some beekeepers. Although it produces nectar profusely and bees like it, the nectar makes honey taste slightly bitter.[citation needed]