This introduction from South Africa is one of the commonest plants at the seaside on Guernsey. It has beautiful flowers and large succulent leaves but its smothering habit allows little competition. In parts of the Island it is removed by local naturalists because of its threat to more vulnerable species. This happens much to the annoyance of non botanists who regard this sort of action as heresy. There may well be several species or sub species of this plant in the British Isles according to Stace who does not believe the genus has been well characterised.
St Sampsons, Guernsey 18th June 2004
Previous Plant in Latin Index Latin Index English Index Home Page Next Plant in Latin Index
Added on 25th September 2004, amended January 18th 2005