If you love vygies and waterwise gardening, Delosperma is one of those genera that quickly becomes addictive. These are mostly low, mat-forming succulents in the Aizoaceae, famous for their shimmering “ice” cells on the leaves and stems that catch the light like tiny crystals – a clever way of reflecting harsh African sun while storing precious moisture.

The genus is centred in southern Africa, with the bulk of species in South Africa and Lesotho, but stretching north into eastern Africa as far as Ethiopia and even into the Arabian Peninsula. Many are local endemics tied to specific rock types or mountain systems – from arid Karoo flats and grassland dolerite outcrops to subalpine Drakensberg cliffs. Seed capsules are typically hygrochastic: they open when wet, using little “valves” and wings to present or flick out the seed in rain – exactly the kind of detail that makes them fascinating subjects for a seed-focused collector.

In the garden, Delosperma species are valued for their carpets of daisy-like flowers in intense shades of magenta, pink, purple, yellow and orange, often over a very long season. Given full sun and sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soils, many species are remarkably drought tolerant and need little more than occasional watering once established. They are ideal for rockeries, retaining walls, containers, green roofs and banks where a tough, colourful, pollinator-friendly groundcover is needed.

For a succulent enthusiast in South Africa, Delosperma offers a huge palette of local biodiversity – from tiny, niche endemics to showy garden workhorses – all fitting neatly into the broader push toward waterwise, climate-resilient gardening.

Delosperma crassuloides (Mesembryanthemum crassuloides, Mesembryanthemum crassulinum)

Delosperma crassuloides is a widespread species, native to Lesotho and South Africa where it occurs in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Free State. It forms low mats or loose clumps of succulent leaves reminiscent of small Crassula, hence the name. In cultivation it is best known for its pure white to purple, starry flowers that appear generously in the warmer months, standing out crisply against the fresh green foliage.

In the South African garden this species is wonderfully versatile. It works as a neat edging for sunny paths, a filler between rocks, or a sparkling groundcover in gravel beds and pots. The clean white to purple flowers combine beautifully with blue or yellow companions and can be used to “cool down” hot-coloured plantings. Its relatively fine texture also makes it suitable for container arrangements where you want a soft, flowering carpet.

D. crassuloides is an easy, rewarding subject from seed. It is described as straightforward to germinate under warm conditions, with seed best sown on the surface of a well-drained mix at around 20–25 °C. Once seedlings are established, plants relish full sun, free drainage and modest watering, developing into tough mats that handle both heat and moderate frost in many South African regions.