Plants in the Ruschia genus are among the most striking, versatile and diverse of all succulents in the Mesembryanthemaceae family. The genus name Ruschia, was named in honour of a Namibian farmer by the name of Ernst Julius Rusch (1867-1957). The monotypic genus Ruschianthus was named to commemorate his son Ernst Franz Theodor Rusch (1897-1964). Ruschia is the largest genus in the mesemb family with about 216 species.

Ruschia maxima, synonymously known as Astridia maxima or Mesembryanthemum maximum, is a South African endemic succulent from the Western Cape Province. Ruschia maxima is one of the largest species in its genus. It has characteristically larger leaves than most other vygies and is crowned as the giant mountain vygie. The whole plant is covered in flowers during the flowering period, which makes it an ideal plant as a focal point in the garden. It does well in cultivation, is a good water-wise plant and is suitable for arid and semi-arid gardens. It looks great in a rockery or desert garden, can also be used as a border, and can make the ideal pot plant.