What is Aptenia?

Aptenia is a genus of plants that has previously been classified under the Mesembryanthemaceae family, but since 2010 it has been recognized under the Aizoaceae family. Its common name is the Red Apple Groundcover or Red Apple Ice. These are permanent evergreen with shiny succulent leaves and bright pink flowers. Two species of aptenia are originally from South African East Coastal Plains and can also be found in other places such as Oklahoma, Arizona and California in the United States. These succulent plants are often used as ground covers of gardens. These creeping plants can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) with a spread of 2 feet (0.6 m). They grow abundantly and last dry and high temperatures, but they are often short -term. And usually bloom from April to August. They are glossy and small to medium sizes, usually 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). They grow from branches for fork and resemble daisies and bloom individually or in clusters. These flowers open in bright sunlight, usually during dno or early in the afternoon when the sun is to its brightest.

Gloss green leaves are in the shape of a heart or oval and are usually 2 inches (5 cm) and 1 inch (2.5 cm). These flat and fleshy leaves are located widely and arranged individually or in pairs on quads or rounded stems of the plant. On the surface and stems of the leaf are water cells that shine in the sun. These plants have a fruit capsule with four chambers that contain one large brown seed.

Aptenia is a popular land that is known to help hold the soil on slopes and steep waterfronts. It can be planted in gardens along the beach as it leads to a sea spray. This plant can be grown from seeds, with summer as an ideal time for sowing. Cuts can also be planted directly into the ground and usually with roots within three weeks.

In alternative medicine, plants aptenia use as antiIly, case and deodorant of the body. They are used as a mild enema for children and its burned leaves are used to treat sore joints in Zulu medicine. Zulus uses a black powder for vaccination, thwarting witchcraft or magic of witchcraft, and as magic believed it brings good luck and love.