Mesembryanthemum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flowers

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Mesembryanthemum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flower heads. Flowers of Mesembryanthemum protect their gametes from night-time dews or frosts but open in sunlight. There is an obvious evolutionary advantage to doing this; where sun, dew, frost, wind or predators are likely to damage exposed reproductive organs, closing may be advantageous during times when flowers are unlikely to attract pollinators.[citation needed] It is indigenous to southern Africa.

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Location: Coverack, Cornwall
Photo credit: © Roger Hollingsworth / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: bloom, coast, cornwall, cottage, coverack, flower, flowering, flowers, garden, mesembryanthemum, plant, plants, sun