Mesembryanthemum tortuosum leaves

A well-growing Mesembryanthemum tortuosum plant branches to spread the erect leafy tips of its prostrate stems. This plant was doing well in August after generous winter rain in the Little Karoo.

The coming summer heat will cause some shrivelling of these green parts, but new branches bearing fresh leaves are sure to arrive as the season relents. A perch at the base of a tall shrub helps to divert some of the summer sun.

Having a shallow-rooted groundcover over its central roots might be a boon to the shrub as well. Mutually beneficial living arrangements are smart (or lucky) choices, bringing a better future to those that share (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010).