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 velutinum – Velvet Mat Sheepfig

Delosperma velutinum (“velvety”) is named for its slightly velvety leaf texture, created by fine hairs or papillae on the succulent leaves. It forms low mats or clumps in rocky, well-drained habitats, where the soft sheen of the foliage adds an extra dimension of interest.

The plant bears daisy-like flowers in bright colours – typically pinks, purples or whites – over the velvet-textured foliage. Flowering is mainly in spring and early summer, when the contrast between the soft leaves and sparkling flowers is especially beautiful.

For South African gardeners, D. velutinum is an excellent choice for rock gardens and troughs where subtle leaf textures can be appreciated. It prefers full sun, gritty soil and deep but infrequent watering, and will quickly knit into a tactile, flower-studded mat under the right conditions.