Plant ID needed

by Roberto
(Sonora, Mexico)

This plant is growing uncultivated in the Sonoran Desert near the Sea of Cortez. The lush shot is a volunteer that appeared in a pot. The other is of cuttings taken in an attempt to cultivate. Might not be a succulent, I do not know. The photo might not show the large number tiny globes that sparkle in the light, attached to the edges of the leaves.

Drought Smart Plants reply: Hi Roberto, this is Mesembryanthemum, also called Livingston Daisy, or Ice Plant, because of those little sparkly bits. There are several different types, and these are grown as an annual plant in many dry gardens, where they excel as a ground cover in hot dry and sandy locations.

They come in many different colours, mostly pink, both pastel and hot pink, salmon, white and yellow, sometimes with a paler band close to the eye of the flower, which is generally darker coloured.

The daisy like blooms will close at night and on cloudy days, and in some areas the whole plant will turn red as the season wanes. They can look quite spectacular in a large mass.

I would save the seeds which are produced in the odd looking seed pods, and sow them in your garden as an annual. I have no reference that tells their origin, but it's possible they are native to your desert. This type of plant is perfectly adapted to your conditions and climate, the perfect drought smart plant!

Happy Succulent Gardening!
Jacki