Malephora purpureocrocea
Malephora purpureocrocea (Haw.) Schwantes
Malephora purpureocrocea is a plant species in the Aizoaceae family, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is distinguished from Malephora crocea by the purplish coloration on the lower surface of its petals, while M. crocea has a reddish hue in the same area. The two are sometimes classified as varieties or subspecies. It is the second most successful naturalised Aizoaceae species in Maltese habitats, with a notable population in the Cumnija area of Mellieha.
Description
Malephora purpureocrocea (Haw.) Schwantes is a member of the Aizoaceae family, originally from the Cape Provinces in South Africa. It is closely related to Malephora crocea but can be distinguished by the violet-purple coloration on the lower petal surface, contrasting with the reddish tone of M. crocea. The species has been naturalised in various regions, including parts of the Mediterranean and Australia. In Malta, it has established a large population near the Cumnija area in Mellieha, measuring 100 x 50 meters. This species was published in 1928 and is part of the genus Malephora. It is found in several locations worldwide, including Argentina, Spain, Greece, and New South Wales.
Distribution
GR · Argentina South · Baleares · California · Cape Provinces · Greece · Kriti · New South Wales · Spain · Tunisia
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum insititiumMesembryanthemum purpureocroceumCrocanthus purpureocroceusHymenocyclus purpureocroceusMalephora crocea var. purpureocroceaMesembryanthemum croceum var. purpureocroceum
