Ruschia maxima in fruit

Ruschia maxima has larger leaves than most Ruschia species. In fact, the leaf size exceeds that of most mesemb species, except the large leaved Carpobrotus plants, which R. maxima resembles. All these names belong to plants in the Aizoaceae or vygie family. 

The leaves of R. maxima are pale grey-green or blue-green and evenly paired. They are triangular in cross-section and point upwards on the stems. During severe drought the leaves may look rusty brown. There is usually a reddish tint on the leaf margins near their keeled tips.

While the leaves resemble those of Carpobrotus, the flowers fit the Ruschia look. The fruits have five locules and no valve wings. They are fleshy and translucent before drying out. The valves will then be raised into an upright position for the seeds to be released (www.kumbulanursery.co.za; Smith, et al, 1998; www.plantzafrica.com).