Cephalophyllum is a captivating genus of low-growing, mat-forming to trailing succulent plants in the Aizoaceae, the ice plant or vygie family. These hardy little jewels are strongly associated with the winter-rainfall regions of western South Africa and extend northwards into south-western Namibia, with many species adapted to open, stony, sandy, or renosterveld and fynbos habitats where rainfall is seasonal and drainage is sharp. The name Cephalophyllum comes from Greek words meaning “head” and “leaf”, referring to the compact, head-like clusters of succulent leaves produced by many species. In cultivation, the genus is loved for its neat creeping habit, drought tolerance, and brilliant daisy-like flowers, which may be yellow, red, orange, pink, purple or bicoloured depending on the species, often opening in the brighter part of the day to attract pollinators.

Cephalophyllum alstonii is a creeping perennial succulent, ideal as a groundcover, or as a pot plant on a patio. The spectacular, large phenomenally brilliant true red blooms without even a hint of yellow attract insects when the flowers open. The 7.5cm across silky-glowy flowers appear mostly in spring and again in autumn & winter. This species occurs in the Ceres Karoo area and receives mainly in winter rain. This popular, water-wise garden plant is successfully used to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the exposed ground. It has good looking bright green succulent finger-like leaves to only 9cm tall and spreads slowly to about 35cm across, making it an excellent choice as a small-scale groundcover, in rock gardens, succulent gardens & containers.