Mesembryanthemum guerichianum showing pluck

Not nearly done flowering, this Mesembryanthemum guerichianum plant is carrying on regardless of its leaves being withered. The angled stems characterising M. guerichianum are still substantial, capable of delivering sustenance from the roots in victory over misfortune.

Stems of the similar plant, M. crystallinum that also has white flowers and large, flat leaves, are cylindrical (Smith, et al, 1998; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; iSpot).