Mesembs is a common popular term used for succulent members of the family Aizoaceae, which are often placed in a separate family of their own, Mesembryanthemaceae. They are sometimes also referred to as vygies, fig-marigolds, ice plants, midday flowers, living stones or flowering stones. They display remarkable variation in leaf architecture, flower colour and form as well as fruit structure. Therefore these plants fascinate many plant lovers of all ages and have become popular amongst collectors of succulent plants. They make excellent pot plants. Delosperma is a genus of around 100 species of succulent plants common in southern and eastern Africa. Delosperma species, as do most Aizoaceae, have hygrochastic capsules, opening and closing as they wet and dry. Most of the species are subshrubs or of a trailing habit. This genus also boasts the most frost resistant mesembs, Delosperma cooperi and Delosperma nubigenum. They are cold hardy and will survive -17°C or even less. In ethnobotany analyses have indicated that many Delosperma sp. contains quite substantial amounts of the psychoactive compounds DMT and N-methyltryptamine in the leaves and branches.

Delosperma ashtonii, commonly known as Flatleaf Sheepfig, is a South African indigenous displays a low mat of succulent, narrow gray-green foliage with deep magenta-red, daisy-like flowers. Excellent for rock and alpine gardens. Delosperma ashtonii grow best in well-drained, gravelly soil that is not wet in winter. Drought tolerant. Requires little water once established.