Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum early days

This Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum plant is starting off in healthy fashion in its stony Namaqualand habitat. The green, succulent leaves are covered in shiny white spots from the water in its bladder cells, reflecting sunlight.

Young pairs of additional leaves are emerging from the older leaf axils, and even from the stem base at ground level (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; http://redlist.sanbi.org).