Round-leaved pigface facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Round-leaved pigface |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Disphyma
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| Species: |
crassifolium
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The Disphyma crassifolium, often called round-leaved pigface, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family, which is known for its succulent plants. This plant grows naturally in Australia and in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It's a low-growing plant that spreads out. It has thick, juicy leaves and pretty purple flowers that look like daisies.
About the Round-Leaved Pigface
The round-leaved pigface is a low-lying plant that spreads along the ground. It's a type of succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves and stems. This plant can live for one year (an annual) or for a few years (a short-lived perennial). Its stems can grow quite long, up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet).
Its leaves are shaped a bit like clubs. They can be round or have three sides when you look at them closely. These leaves are usually between 5 and 70 millimeters long (about 0.2 to 2.7 inches) and 1 to 7 millimeters wide (about 0.04 to 0.27 inches).
The flowers are quite eye-catching, growing between 20 and 50 millimeters wide (about 0.8 to 2 inches). They have purple, petal-like parts called staminodes, which are white underneath. These staminodes can be 10 to 30 millimeters long. The plant mainly flowers from October to February. After flowering, it produces a cone-shaped fruit called a capsule, which is about 10 millimeters long and wide before it opens.
How the Plant Got Its Name
The scientific name Disphyma crassifolium has an interesting history. The plant was first described in 1753 by a famous scientist named Carl Linnaeus. He called it Mesembryanthemum crassifolium. He found this plant in southern Africa.
Later, in 1925, Nicholas Edward Brown created a new group of plants called Disphyma. Then, in 1927, Louisa Bolus moved Linnaeus's plant into this new group. That's how it got its current name, Disphyma crassifolium.
Another botanist, Adrian Hardy Haworth, described a similar plant in 1803. He called it Mesmbryanthemum clavellatum. This plant grew from seeds collected in Australia. In 1976, Robert Chinnock also moved this plant to the Disphyma group, calling it D. clavellatum. Finally, in 1986, John Peter Jessop decided that D. clavellatum was actually a subspecies of Disphyma crassifolium. So now it's known as Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum.
Where the Plant Lives
The round-leaved pigface is found in many places in South Africa and Australia. It likes to grow in salty areas, such as sand dunes along the coast. It also grows in flat areas where plants like samphire grow. This plant is quite tough and can grow in different types of soil, including sand, loam, and clay.
