Mesembs is a common popular term used for succulent members of the family Aizoaceae, which are often placed in a separate family of their own, Mesembryanthemaceae. They are sometimes also referred to as vygies, fig-marigolds, ice plants, midday flowers, living stones or flowering stones. They display remarkable variation in leaf architecture, flower colour and form as well as fruit structure. Therefore these plants fascinate many plant lovers of all ages and have become popular amongst collectors of succulent plants. They make excellent potted plants. Drosanthemum is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family native to the winter-rainfall regions of southern Africa. Most species bear colourful flowers. The name Drosanthemum means Dew-flower in Greek, and refers to the characteristic shiny translucent papillae, which cover the succulent leaves and flower buds. There are over 110 species of Drosanthemum found in the arid areas of South Africa and neighbouring Namibia. The Drosanthemum genus is perhaps the most popular and spectacular of all garden mesembs. Few other plants can match the glowing intensity of a stand of these mesembs in full flower.

Drosanthemum striatum is a colourful spring flowering vygie that is a good choice for arid gardens across the country. Drosanthemum striatum is a low-growing, dense, compact, perennial shrublet that can attain a height of 0.6 m under ideal conditions. It has a fibrous root system and is shallow rooted. Drosanthemum striatum has a relatively small distribution in the winter rainfall area of South Africa. It occurs mainly in the karroid areas in the Worcester and Robertson lowlands. It is found growing in decomposed Malmesbury shale. It is used to extreme heat (above 40°C), but it can survive in relatively low temperatures (3°C).It is a hardy survivor in a water-wise garden!