Common groundcover with small pink leaves.

by Sara
(Hobart, Tasmania, Australia)

Hi. This is a common ground cover in Hobart, Tasmania which I've seen covering areas of many square metres.

I just think its adorable and I like its leaves more than the flowers. The flowers are pink and profuse in spring. The leaves look like they are covered in oil/water glands and in close up with a magnifying glass looks like bubblewrap covering the surface. The leaves are up to 2cm long with an alternate habit. The stem is round and hairy.

As its so common I'm sure that locals know what its called, but I came across your website and couldn't resist asking the question.

Thanks for your help,
Sara


Hi Sara, I'm not totally familiar with plants in your area - the northern hemisphere flora is more my area of expertise.

This is a common plant in many areas, however, and although it's not a really cold hardy plant, many places that don't get any frost use it exactly as you describe, as a drought tolerant ground cover.

There are several small low growing plants that go by the name 'Livingstone Daisy' or 'Ice Plant' including Mesembryanthemum and Delosperma, of which there are many many different species and varieties. You can see more on both of these here, which might help pin down exactly which one this is: (This link opens in a new window)

Ice Plant

Happy Succulent Gardening!
Jacki