Family: Aizoaceae
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (hearts and flowers, rock rose) is a low-growing succulent native to South Africa that forms dense mats of fleshy, heart-shaped leaves. It produces numerous small pink to magenta flowers that open in sunlight, creating a bright, colorful groundcover. This hardy plant tolerates drought, salt spray, and poor soils, making it a popular choice for coastal gardens, rock walls, and erosion control. Its easy care and attractive appearance have made it a long-standing favorite in warm, dry climates.
In Hawaiʻi, hearts and flowers is cultivated as an ornamental and groundcover. It has been observed spreading beyond cultivation on Kauaʻi and is considered potentially naturalizing there. However, in spite of some traits that could contribute to its spread, it is considered a low-risk and safe planting choice for Hawaiʻi. It can be used effectively in landscaping, especially in dry or coastal areas, but gardeners are encouraged to prevent it from escaping into nearby natural habitats.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized outside native range
- Widely introduced as an ornamental
- Smothering growth habit
- Reproduces from stem fragments
- Animal-dispersed seeds
- Prolific seed production
Low Risk Traits:
- Limited climate versatility (zones 9-10)
- Not a significant weed
- No spines or toxins
- Fire resistant
- Shade intolerant
- Limited soil tolerance
- No dense thickets
- Controllable with herbicides
