'Midday Flowering'

Mesembryanthemum meaning 'midday flowering' is a perfect description of this flamboyant character in the garden!

I always wondered why they close up so tightly and the internet has helped me learn more - 'Flowers of Mesembryanthemum 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.'

I also read that 'some species are thought to be hallucinogenic plants' - how many other websites do you learn like you do on Blip?