Mesembryanthemum guerichianum leaves

The large, thickly fleshy leaves of Mesembryanthemum guerichianum become 25 cm long and 10 cm wide. The early leaves grow opposite, here in a rectangular rosette appearing decussate. As trailing branches proliferate, many leaves of reduced size are added, their functionality shared more widely.

The leaves are elliptic to ovate or obovate in shape with entire margins and surfaces covered in large bladder cells. Leaf colour is green, sometimes partly yellowish and red, while plants with entirely red or green leaves do occur, sometimes probably seasonally. The leaf margins are elaborately wavy and turned up. The tip is pointed or rounded, the base broad (Smith, et al, 1998; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; iSpot).