Drosanthemum

4 species Aizoaceae

Morphological Summary

Drosanthemum is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, with approximately 95–110 species native primarily to southwestern South Africa and southern Namibia. The genus name derives from the Greek 'drósos' (dew) and 'ánthemon' (flower), referring to the shiny papillae covering the plant that reflect sunlight like drops of dew. They are succulent subshrubs or herbs producing showy daisy-like flowers in white, pink, lilac, yellow, or orange tones. Many species are widely cultivated as ground covers in Mediterranean gardens, and some have naturalized in regions of similar climate worldwide.

Distribution Distribution centered in the Western Cape and Northern Cape of South Africa, extending into Namibia. Preferred habitat: karoo, namaqualand, arid fynbos, quartzitic or shale stony soils, at altitudes of 0–1500 m a.s.l. Some species (mainly D. floribundum and D. hispidum) have naturalized in the Mediterranean basin, Australia, California, and Chile.

Conservation

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DocumentedSucculentGround Cover