Trichodiadema barbatum

Trichodiadema barbatum, in Afrikaans commonly known as kareemoer (karee or Searsia yeast), is a low-growing plant of the Aizoaceae or mesemb family. The flowers have magenta petals and yellow centres, like many Aizoaceae or vygie plants. They appear towards the end of winter.

The fruits of several species of Searsia were used by Khoi tribes in the brewing of a mead drink called karee or karrie. The trees common name of karee originated from this. The drink is still known in parts of the country as karrie or that word regionally slightly transformed. Some Trichodiadema species served in the making of yeast for brewing the mead. That made certain Trichodiadema plants, including this one, kareemoer or karriemoer.

The unusual feature of Trichodiadema plants is in the funny clusters of tiny bristles at the top of each cylindrical, succulent leaf. The diadem or crown suggested in the generic name is in this case enhanced by the plants bearded look resulting in the specific name of barbatum.

T. barbatum is found inland in the east of the Western Cape, particularly the Little Karoo and in the Eastern Cape. The plant commonly grows in full sun, covering a small patch as it spreads. The species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000; http://redlist.sanbi.org).