As a comment about Baby Sunrose (Mesembryanthemum Mezoo™ Trailing Red), rattlebox wrote:

Although this plant was apparently trademarked as Dorotheanthus bellidiformis 'Mezoo Trailing Red', and therefore widely and generally identified as a variety of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis [Livingstone Daisy], it clearly is not. It is much more closely allied to Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata' (now Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegata').

The leaves of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis are elongated, almost spatulate, often twisted and curled, covered with obvious papillae; the stems are round (also covered with obvious papillae), and the flowers are large (1 1/2-2") with a large "daisy eye". The leaves of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium are wide, heart-shaped with a pointed tip and nearly smooth (papillae are much reduced in comparison); the stems are square, and the flowers are dime-sized or slightly larger with tiny, almost obscured eyes.

I have read that 'Mezoo Trailing Red' is simply a variegated version of Aptenia 'Red Apple' (a hybrid of Aptenia cordifolia and A. haeckeliana). Whether this is strictly true or not, it is certainly closer to the true identity of 'Mezoo Trailing Red' than being called Dorotheanthus bellidiformis.

(Note: Aptenia spp. are now classified as Mesembryanthemum spp.).
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Mar 18, 2014 8:30 PM CST
Plants Admin
Name: Zuzu
Northern California (Zone 9a)
Region: Ukraine Charter ATP Member Region: California Cat Lover Roses Clematis
Irises Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant Identifier Garden Sages Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Master Level
The Aptenia entries currently listed as accepted names in our database will be merged with the appropriate Mesembryanthemum entries tonight. I agree that Mezoo Trailing Red obviously is another Mesembryanthemum, and I'll take care of that entry as well.

Last edited by zuzu Mar 18, 2014 8:44 PM Icon for preview
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Mar 19, 2014 8:26 AM CST
Name: Ron
Naples, Florida (Zone 10a)
Region: Florida Hummingbirder Butterflies Adeniums Bromeliad Hibiscus
Foliage Fan Plant and/or Seed Trader Xeriscape Seed Starter Garden Ideas: Level 1 Plant Identifier
Thanks for your response!

I was not really expecting any changes to the database as a result of my post, I simply wanted anyone that viewed this plant to have a better understanding of it's identity.

Updating the database not only accomplishes that, but will help sort out confusion as to the identities of the common name "Livingstone Daisy" and of the scientific name Dorotheanthus bellidiformis.

It's nice to know my input can add real value to this database. It's nice to feel appreciated!
[He] decided that if a few quiet beers wouldn't allow him to see things in a different light, then a few more probably would. - Terry Pratchett
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Mar 19, 2014 1:04 PM CST
Plants Admin
Name: Zuzu
Northern California (Zone 9a)
Region: Ukraine Charter ATP Member Region: California Cat Lover Roses Clematis
Irises Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant Identifier Garden Sages Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Master Level
Your input is definitely appreciated! We're eager to update the database whenever we receive this kind of information. Please don't hesitate to add comments of this type. You can also share this type of information by starting a thread in the Plant Database Forum:
http://garden.org/forums/view/...
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  • Started by: zuzu
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