Mesembryanthemum (meaning "midday flowering") is a genus of plants native to southern Africa.
The vygie is a member of the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flower heads. Flowers of vygies 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.
These plants make up a large group of plants that are found in the more arid parts of South Africa… however they have been domesticated, hybred and now appear in gardens and rockeries ever where…
these photos are early morning shots of one opening… with the low sunlight, the colour really jumped out…
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
I’ve used this plant many times on fever blisters, within 3 days all traces of fever blisters totally disappear,
It’s beautiful. I like the colour 🙂
There are actually numerous colours and sizes, this one is my favourite…
Wow – you can make Jam or alcoholic cocktails with this plant? It is beautiful and the what you caught it in your images – as it is opening – amazing!
Your work is inspiring bulldog ~ you have a ‘healing lens’ too!! xo
Thank you Robyn… it is an amazing plant and has actually so many medicinal uses as well…
wow! so vibrant and beautiful!
A very versatile plant… you can make a jam, use it for medicinal purposes… and it makes a lovely strong alcoholic drink…
Now that is an interesting plant, does it grow in the desert?
It thrives in arid conditions, loves heat, yet will grow in a normal garden with plenty of water…
Thank you, you know your stuff, I appreciate it. 🙂
Again…you’re getting pretty flowers and we are losing ours 😦
Yep been watching blogs for 6 months now it’s my turn…
What an interesting plant and habit of protection this plant has. I would like to bring your article to my Master Gardening class next week. In fact, your whole blog should be required reading!
Thank you… glad you enjoy…
Oooh. Don’t they make sour fig jam from them as well or is that a particular kind of vygie they use?
Hotnots vye… same thing used for jam and medicine… makes a potent mampoo…
really? note to self – investigate that…
Beautiful!
Thanks Jules..