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 spinosa, synonymously known as Eberlanzia aculeata, Eberlanzia albertensis, Eberlanzia globularis, Eberlanzia hospitalis, Eberlanzia macroura, Eberlanzia micrantha, Eberlanzia mucronifera, Eberlanzia spinosa, Mesembryanthemum aculeatum, Mesembryanthemum hospitale, Mesembryanthemum mucroniferum, Mesembryanthemum spinosum, Mesembryanthemum spinosum var. micranthum, Ruschia albertensis, Ruschia globularis or Ruschia macroura and commonly known as thorny vygie or spiny ruschia, is a South African indigenous succulent from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. If one is looking for a striking water wise plant for a Karoo garden or a desert garden, look no further than this spinescent succulent shrub with beautiful purple flowers!