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]

Aizoon pubescens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Aizoon
Species:
A. pubescens
Binomial name
Aizoon pubescens
Eckl. & Zeyh. (1837)
Synonyms[1]
  • Galenia heterophylla Fenzl ex Sond. (1862)
  • Galenia pubescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Druce (1916 publ. 1917)
  • Galenia spathulata Fenzl ex Sond. (1862)

Description

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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]

Naturalisation

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b Aizoon pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Galenia pubescens". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  3. ^ "Galenia pubescens". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  4. ^ "Galenia pubscens". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-04-25.