Delosperma lavisiae

Delosperma lavisiae

Common Names

Mountain Vygie (english)Bergvygie, Kransvygie (afrikaans)mabone (sesotho)

Taxonomy

Family AIZOACEAE
Genus Delosperma
Species lavisiae
SA Plant Number
Basionym Delosperma lavisiae

Description

Delosperma lavisiae is an extremely hardy, mat forming succulent plant from high altitude areas of the Drakensburg. The small succulent leaves range from grey-green with brown tips in dry conditions to deep green when watered regularly. Purple-pink flowers that glisten in the sunlight are borne from Nov. to Mar. and attract a whole host of insects to the garden.

It makes a good spreading groundcover and should be planted in well-drained soil in a garden bed or rockery, where it will thrive under the harshest of conditions. It has many interesting medicinal and traditional uses. An interesting snippet is that the high salt content of the leaves is said to reduce frost damage even in the coldest of conditions.

Plant in full sun, in very well drained soil, and do not overwater.

Size: 5 to 10cm

Wildlife

Plants for Pollinators: Honey bees and other insects readily visit the flowers to collect pollen.

Uses

Traditional: Used in traditional medicine

Landscaping: Colourful groundcover for very hot, arid areas. Lovely addition to a rockery, rocky outcrop or retaining block garden. A good container plant.

Distribution

Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal

Natural Habitat Rock sheets and on rocky outcrops and in stony places.

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