The other unmissable flower in San Diego in March (in addition to the Bird of Paradise) is what I assume is a form of the invasive Ice Plant that has taken over the sandy soils of Southern California to the point that they have Ice Plant erratication programs in many areas (and signs that say “do not feed the Ice Plant :). Evidently this form is not yet on the environmental terror watch list as it is still planted by the city along highways and on parks. And it is brilliant in bloom. There never has been such a purple! In masses along the roadside or splayed across a bank it is eyecatching and breathtaking.

Canon SX40HS. Program with iContrast and -1/3EV exposure compensation. 1) 24mm macro. f4 @ 1/500th @ ISO 125. 2) 130mm. f4.5 @ 1/500th @ ISO 200. 3) 840mm @ 1/200th @ ISO 160.

Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and brightness.