Delosperma leendertziae

Delosperma leendertziae is one of the delospermas characterised by a mat-forming, ground covering growth habit. The compact plant spreads its many trailing branches, reaching only about 15 cm in height.

The opposite leaf pairs are succulent, oblong and curving down. They have rounded more than keeled lower surfaces and flat to channelled upper surfaces.

The species is found in Gauteng and North West, also in the Magaliesberg.

The habitat is quartzitic grassland at altitudes around 1600 m, often on rocky ridges and steep, south-facing slopes. The species is considered near threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century, due to soil erosion, invasion by alien vegetation and poor fire management (Smith, et al, 1998; www.plantzafrica.com; www.redlist.sanbi.org).