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 hirtum – Berg Sheepfig

Delosperma hirtum is listed by SANBI as a South African species of Least Concern, and its name (“hirtum”) points to slightly hairy or rough-textured foliage. It forms low, clumping mats that grip rocky, well-drained substrates, coping with full sun, wind and periodic drought.

In flower it produces cheerful daisy-like blooms, typically in warm tones, that rise just above the foliage and attract pollinating insects. The slight hairiness of the leaves adds an extra textural dimension, especially appreciated in close-up plantings such as troughs and low rockeries.

In the South African garden, D. hirtum is best used as a ground-hugging filler for sunny, stony sites. Plant it in lean, gritty soil and avoid over-watering to maintain compact growth. Seed-raised plants are straightforward if sowing follows standard Delosperma practice. Once established, it becomes a reliable, waterwise carpet that softens rockwork and provides bright seasonal colour.