The name is derived from the Greek words, lampros (bright) and anthos (flower), referring to the large showy flowers. The Lampranthus genus is one of the largest genera in the Aizoaceae family. They are all succulents and the genus consists of 227 species and 13 varieties, all of which belong to a group of plants collectively known as Mesembs or Vygies in Afrikaans. The genus Lampranthus occurs mainly in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and southern Namibia, although some species do occur in Eastern Cape as well. Flowering occurs at all times of the year, though most cultivated species usually flower in spring or early summer. They are occasionally called midday plants because the flowers open by mid-morning and close again in the late afternoon. The flowers of some species are strawberry scented. Lampranthus species are popular rockery plants as they are drought tolerant. Sow seeds during the summer or winter months. They produce bright and colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, and purple. The majority of Lampranthus species form low-growing mats. This is the main reason that this type of plant is commonly used as groundcover in gardens. The plants in the Lampranthus genus need a lot of sun in order for their flowers to bloom well.

Lampranthus multiradiatus commonly known as Creeping Ice Plant in English and Roosvygie in Afrikaans is a small evergreen South African endemic succulent shrub found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is an herbaceous perennial with gray-green foliage and crawling, spreading branches. It bears eye-catching flowers in several whorls of violet to pink. The plant can reach a height of 60 cm high and wide.