Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) Schwantes
Sprawling prostrate perennial herb. Stems branching, glabrous, 5-30-(100) cm long. Lvs opposite, ovate to almost triangular, acute, truncate, 10-20-(25) × 7-15-(25) mm, or up to 75 × 75 mm in young plants; petiole 4-10 mm long; papillae low, flattish, clear but not glittering. Calyx densely papillate; sepals 8-12 mm long. Petals erect, purple, 4-8 mm long. Stamens 2-4 mm long; anthers pale yellow. Stigmas 1.5-2 mm long. Capsule < calyx, shiny green, later dry and brown; expanding keels pale; valves thin. Seeds brown, c. 1 mm long.
N.: Auckland City, Mokohinau Id, Napier, Wellington; S.: Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, N. Otago.
South Africa 1959
Coastal rocky sites, sometimes in sand.
This sp. is distinguished from all other Aizoaceae in N.Z. by having 4 sepals which are > the petals.
