Aizoaceae

Galenia pubescens

Common Names: Galenia

Plant Form: Creeping perennial herb. Size: Up to 60 cm high and 2 m wide. Stem: Woody at base. Covered in scale-like hairs. Leaves: Alternate along stem, 0.5-2.5 cm long, greyish-green, slightly succulent, hairy. With smooth edges. Flowers: Small 4-6 mm across, singular in leaf fork, with 5 petals. White, greenish-white, or pinkish in colour. Fruit and Seeds: Small capsule about 3 mm long containing 5 seeds. Habitat: Waste land, pastures, coastal dunes, woodland, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Native Saltbushes (Atriplex species) generally have flowers without petals, and larger leaves.

Small light pink flowers

Forms low mats on road verges, river banks

Leaves are about 1 cm long

Foliage is dense