Mesembryanthemum tortuosum fruit capsule

The Mesembryanthemum tortuosum fruit capsule has five locules with valve wings. Several Mesembryanthemum dry capsules tend to break off from the plant and are carried or rolled about by wind, allowing seed dispersal. These capsules open when wet, the phenomenon called hygrochastic. The fruit diameter is 10 mm to 15 mm.

The red leaf tinge is seen in the dry season. The photo was taken in the Kammanassie during April (Smith, et al, 2017; Smith, et al, 1998; https://sceletium.com).