Lampranthus spectabilis (Trailing Ice Plant)

Native to South Africa, this bushy succulent shrub has reddish brown stems that may sprawl or grow upright. Its narrow, fleshy leaves curve upward and have a bluish bloom with pale dots. Large flowers develop in small groups near the branch tips, with many spreading, slender petals around pale yellow anthers. Pinkish purple flowers are typical, and white-flowered forms are also cultivated. Rounded seed capsules develop after flowering. It is grown as a spreading ground cover and is easily propagated from cuttings. Older patches can become thin as branches die back after flowering. It has naturalized in New Zealand. Photographed in Colombia.