Narrative

Mesembryanthemum Family (Aizoaceae) reaches its greatest development in southern Africa. Most of the species in this family are succulents (plants that have adapted to low moisture). They usually hold extra moisture in their stems and leaves, and they can go for long periods of time without water. The Family has about 2,000 species (per Gordon Rowley) organized into over 100 different genera. (A later estimate suggests 2,400 species with 114 genera.) The generic divisions are based upon fruit structure, and might be excessive. There were 14 genera with 23 species growing in greater North America as of 1994.

Taxonomy

References