Delosperma sutherlandii

Delosperma sutherlandii is a perennial leaf succulent of the Aizoaceae family that grows many spreading branches. The branches form a mat less than 15 cm in height. The leaves are ovate, tapering to acute tips. The upper leaf surface is flat to concave, the lower one convex with most of the bulk near the centre, thinning towards the angular margins in a shallow boat-shape. The green leaf surfaces are rough with small bladder cells and scattered tiny white hairs, especially near the margins. Foliage may seasonally assume red colouring.

The plant produces long lasting pink-purple flowers and has a long summer blooming season. The petals are white near the base, oblong in shape with rounded tips. Flowers have white to yellow central clusters of stamens and styles. A fleshy calyx with five pointed lobes subtends the corolla. 

D. sutherlandii is found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. It grows in open grassland, also in dry climates as the succulence renders it drought resistant. This plant was seen in February near Sabie, where the plant is probably rare, being more prevalent to the south (Smith, et al, 1998; iSpot).