Scientific Name
Delosperma basuticum L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Delosperma
Etymology
The specific epithet "basuticum" (pronounced "buh-SOO-ti-kum") means "of or pertaining to Basutoland" and refers to the type locality of this species. Basutoland🡕 was a British Crown colony from 1884 to 1966, in present-day Lesotho.
Origin
The native range of this species is the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa and Lesotho. It grows between 9,840 and 11,150 feet (3,000 and 3,400 m) above sea level.
Description
Delosperma basuticum is a beautiful succulent that forms a low cushion of fleshy, green, almost cylindrical leaves that taper toward their tips. It can grow up to 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) tall. The leaves are covered with tiny bladder cells that are water-storage surface cells. The inner surface of the leaves is flat.
The flowers are daisy-like, yellow or purple, and appear right on top of the leaves in summer. The fruits are five-locular capsules.
Cultivars of Delosperma basuticum
How to Grow and Care for Delosperma basuticum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 5a to 10b: from -20°F (-28.9°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Delosperma plants grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9 and will bloom most of the summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen, and because of this, they make a great year-round ground cover. However, although the plant is evergreen, it often experiences some dieback of foliage in winter.
Delospermas prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade in the garden. Because Delospermas are succulents, they do not tolerate wet soil, though they do well in poor soils. In fact, wet soil, especially during winter, is likely to kill the plants. However, this plant can become invasive in areas with consistently dry soil, so it is best to consider this when planting it.
The Ice Plant can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. If propagating by division, it is best to divide the plants in the spring. Cuttings can be taken anytime in the spring, summer, or fall. When grown by seeds, scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Delosperma.
Links
- Back to genus Delosperma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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