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. Erepsia is a genus containing around 31 shrub species. The name Erepsia is derived from the Greek word erepso, meaning I shall hide. All species are endemic to South Africas Cape Province region. These plants typically branch from the base and have smooth stems. The flowers have linear to spoon-shaped petals and may be white, pink or red-purple in colour. These plants have sharp-tipped leaves and closely resemble species in the genus Mesembryanthemum, some species were previously classified in this genus. Unlike many other mesembs which close their flowers during the night and in overcast weather, the flowers of Erepsia species remain open.

Erepsia lacera or Paarl roosvygie as its commonly known is an erect ornamental shrublet with succulent leaves and somewhat rose-like flowers. It flowers during early summer and is restricted to the Paarl region.