The name is derived from the Greek words, lampros (bright) and anthos (flower), referring to the large showy flowers. The Lampranthus genus is one of the largest genera in the Aizoaceae family. They are all succulents and the genus consists of 227 species and 13 varieties, all of which belong to a group of plants collectively known as Mesembs or Vygies in Afrikaans. The genus Lampranthus occurs mainly in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and southern Namibia, although some species do occur in Eastern Cape as well. Flowering occurs at all times of the year, though most cultivated species usually flower in spring or early summer. They are occasionally called midday plants because the flowers open by mid-morning and close again in the late afternoon. The flowers of some species are strawberry scented. Lampranthus species are popular rockery plants as they are drought tolerant. Sow seeds during the summer or winter months. They produce bright and colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, and purple. The majority of Lampranthus species form low-growing mats. This is the main reason that this type of plant is commonly used as groundcover in gardens. The plants in the Lampranthus genus need a lot of sun in order for their flowers to bloom well.

Lampranthus haworthii is a tall, robust plant by vygie standards with large metallic pink, white or light purple flowers. Lampranthus haworthii is a tall, compact, erect subshrub that can grow as tall as 700 mm and as wide as 1 m. The leaves are fused at the base and are 40 x 6 mm, cylindrical in shape and bluish green in colour. The flowers are 70 mm in diameter and are borne on a pedicel (stem), 20 to 40 mm long. Flower colour ranges from white, pale pink to light mauve. Flowering time is from mid-July to mid-September. Lampranthus haworthii occurs in the Little Karoo and Worcester/Robertson Karoo and is fairly common in and around the Worcester area. They are primarily winter rainfall plants. Lampranthus haworthii is popular in the horticultural industry. The plants are very showy, tough and make fantastic water-wise subjects.