Mesembryanthemum cordifolium aka Heartleaf Iceplant

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, formerly known as Aptenia cordifolia, is a species of succulent plant in the iceplant family. This dwarf evergreen perennial forms a mat of succulent, trailing stems and has shiny, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2cm long. It is a creeping plant that forms a carpet of flat-growing perennial herbs in groups on the ground. The plant gets its genus name, Mesembryanthemum, from the position of the ovary in the flower, which is in the middle. The specific epithet, cordifolium, refers to its heart-shaped leaves. In the summer, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium produces many-petalled, daisy-like pink flowers from the tips of its stems. These flowers give it the common name of baby sun rose. It is a maintenance-free ground cover that is extensively used to cover banks and slopes in tropical and warmer temperate areas. Originally native to the eastern coastal region of the Cape Province and Kruger National Park in South Africa, it has been widely introduced and often naturalized in other parts of the world. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium thrives in shady places, often found under trees. It is commonly planted in parking lot planters, parkways, and home gardens. However, it is important to note that it easily escapes from cultivation and can spread in disturbed areas, on the margins of coastal wetlands, and on embankments along irrigation waterways. This versatile plant is also suitable for container gardening on a sunny patio.