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Silky Baconfig
Aizoon glinoides
SA tree number
English: Silky Baconfig, Ground Aizoon, Hairy Aizoon
Xhosa: Ucwethekazi, Ubushwa, Umfanothenkqi
Historical scientific names: Aizoon hirsutum
Aizoon glinoides, commonly known as the Silky Baconfig, is a fascinating indigenous annual or short-lived perennial groundcover belonging to the Aizoaceae family (the vygie or ice plant family). It is characterised by its prostrate, spreading growth habit, small yellowish flowers, and its ability to thrive in harsh, often sandy or stony environments.
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Distinguishing features:
Ground-hugging, prostrate growth habit with branches radiating from a central root.
Small, succulent, and often hairy leaves.
Profusion of small, star-shaped, yellow flowers.
Grows successfully in full sun, wind, and poor, sandy or stony soils.
Often found in coastal areas and dry, hot regions.
Overall appearance:
Aizoon glinoides forms a flat, spreading mat or a low-growing cushion on the ground. Its numerous radiating branches are covered in small, fleshy leaves, and in season, it produces a mass of tiny yellow flowers that can brighten up otherwise barren patches.
Height:
Typically very low-growing, up to 10 cm tall, sometimes slightly more if scrambling over other vegetation.
Width:
Can spread significantly, forming mats up to 50 cm or more in diameter.
Leaves:
The leaves are small, simple, somewhat succulent (fleshy), and often covered in fine hairs (pubescent, hence the synonym hirsutum meaning hairy). They are variable in shape but generally oblong to spatulate (spoon-shaped), and typically 1-3 cm long. They are arranged alternately or in small clusters along the stems.
Flowers:
The flowers are small, star-shaped, and typically yellow, though they can sometimes appear yellowish-green. They have five perianth segments (structures that resemble petals and sepals) and numerous stamens. They are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils. The flowers are phototropic, meaning they usually open fully in bright sunlight and close on cloudy days or at night. Aizoon glinoides flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts, so it is not dioecious.
Flowering season:
It has a relatively long flowering season, generally from spring through autumn (September to May), with peak blooming often occurring in the warmer months.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, dry, capsular fruit that typically opens by valves to release the seeds. It is less conspicuous than the flowers.
Seeds:
The seeds are small, dark, and numerous.
Stem:
Slender and somewhat succulent, becoming tougher with age.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has a central taproot system from which numerous branches radiate, enabling it to establish firmly and access moisture in dry environments.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable and thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils. It prefers well-drained, sandy, stony, or gravelly soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray and wind, making it suitable for coastal environments.
Aspect:
Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It is highly drought-tolerant and very hardy to frost once established. It is also tolerant of salt spray and strong winds.
Edibility:
There is limited specific information on the edibility of Aizoon glinoides. However, some species within the broader Aizoaceae family (like certain mesembs or vygies) have edible leaves or fruits. Given its "Galsiekslaai" common name (though that appears to be for Aizoon canariense as per SANBI), it might imply some traditional use, but no clear evidence of edibility for Aizoon glinoides is readily available. It's best to assume it's not commonly eaten or to exercise caution.
Toxicity:
No specific toxicity information is readily available for Aizoon glinoides. As a general rule, it's advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless their edibility and safety are unequivocally confirmed by reliable sources.
Uses:
Primarily used as an ornamental groundcover, especially in arid or water-wise gardens, rockeries, and coastal gardens. Its ability to tolerate harsh conditions makes it valuable for stabilising banks and preventing erosion in challenging sites. It can also act as a pioneer plant, helping to improve soil conditions for other species.
Ecology:
As a low-growing groundcover, Aizoon glinoides helps to stabilise loose soils, preventing erosion by wind and water. Its dense mat-like growth can create a microclimate at ground level, which might benefit other small organisms. Its small flowers would attract generalist pollinators like small bees and flies. It plays a role in the biodiversity of its specific dry and coastal habitats.
Distribution and habitat:
Aizoon glinoides is indigenous to South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, it is widely distributed, found in various provinces including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It grows in hot, dry areas, often on beach sand along the southern and eastern Cape coasts, but also in stony or poor soils inland.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Aizoon comes from the Greek "aizoos," meaning "everliving," referring to the succulent nature of many plants in the family and their ability to withstand dry conditions.
The species name glinoides is derived from the Greek "glinos" (a type of plant, possibly Glinus) and "-oides" (resembling), meaning "resembling Glinus," another genus of small, prostrate plants.
The synonym hirsutum is Latin for "hairy," referring to the pubescence on its leaves and stems.
Historical aspects:
Being a resilient indigenous plant, Aizoon glinoides has naturally occurred across a wide range of dry habitats in Southern Africa for a long time. Its role in traditional practices is not as well-documented as some other medicinal plants, but its hardiness makes it a candidate for pioneering disturbed sites. In modern horticulture, it is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in difficult conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardening, particularly in coastal areas.
Interesting facts:
This little plant is a true survivor! It loves hot, dry, windy places with sandy or stony soil where many other plants struggle. It's a champion for tough spots!
Its name, Aizoon, means "everliving," hinting at its ability to bounce back and persist even in harsh conditions.
When the sun is out, its tiny yellow flowers pop open like little stars, making barren ground look cheerful.
It's a natural erosion controller! Its low-growing, spreading habit helps to hold loose soil in place, especially on sandy banks and slopes.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Easily propagated from seed. Sow seeds in a sandy, well-drained medium. It can also be propagated from cuttings.
Planting: Ideal for hot, sunny spots. Plant in well-drained soil; it tolerates poor or sandy soils very well.
Watering: Very water-wise. Water sparingly once established. Overwatering can lead to rot.
Frost Tolerance: Very hardy to frost once established.
Maintenance: Requires very little maintenance. Can be trimmed back if it becomes too sprawling. Avoid over-fertilising.
Uses in garden: Excellent for rock gardens, gravel gardens, coastal gardens, and for stabilising slopes or edges.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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