Malephora crocea

Native to the northwestern Cape region of South Africa, this spreading succulent perennial develops woody stems as it ages. Solitary flowers open at the ends of branches and contain numerous narrow, petal-like segments. These are commonly orange above and purple beneath, although yellow and orange-red forms also occur. Flowering is mainly in spring and summer. The species occupies dry plains and sandy or saline clay soils. It is invasive on Anacapa Island, California, where dense mats displace native vegetation. Photographed in Colombia.