Ice Plant (3) - 13 April 2016

The Ice Plant (Carpobrotus edulis) was introduced to California in the early 20th century although it might have arrived by ship up to 400 years earlier. Extensive planting took place in the 1970s. The purpose was to stabilise dunes and the soil along railroad tracks but it is contended that the characteristics of the plant, with its water retention and shallow roots, contribute to accelerated erosion.

These beautiful flowers were seen in Burlingame on San Francisco Bay.

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