Mesembryanthemum nitidum buds and flowers

The green bud of Mesembryanthemum nitidum is globose with large water cells on its surface. The unequal, leaf-like sepals are erect and cylindrical on top, losing their green colour as the flowers open.

The fruit at the other end of the flower’s life has four or five locules with a dome-shaped top. The valves respond to moisture, opening and closing for partial seed release (Grenier, 2019; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist).