The leaves of the sea pumpkin look this lush and flourishing in winter and spring. The rainy season provides the opportunity for storing much moisture in preparation for the summer task of producing seed.

This plant lives through dramatic changes in appearance through its seasonal cycle. The series of photos of it shown in this Album depicts some of that. They were taken at Onrus and Vermont near Hermanus.

These luxuriant leaves are edible. In times of need the hungry will try many things. The sea pumpkin has earned its name!