Delosperma litorale

Delosperma litorale, the seaside delosperma, is a robust creeping and mat-forming succulent subshrub. It tends to spread by rooting at the older stem nodes lying on the ground in suitable conditions, contributing to dune stabilisation.

The leaves are densely stacked in opposite pairs on short branchlets along the longer prostrate stems. The nodes are sometimes far apart. The leaves may be green or grey-green when growing in shade or in well-watered conditions, while various shades of pinkish red, purplish or even orange leaves are common in dry summer weather and full sun. A leaf has three smooth flat surfaces with neatly angular edges to form the often upward pointing squat leaf shapes characterising the species.

The flowers are small and white with creamy centres consisting of cone-shaped stacks of free stamens. The flowers grow on short stalks just above the leaves. The seed capsules are five-locular with valve wings, but without covering membranes. The generic name, Delosperma, referring to this feature is derived from Greek: delos meaning visible and sperma seed.

The species distribution is coastal in the Western Cape from Hawston to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The photo was taken at Onrus.

The habitat is coastal sands in exposed, rocky places, mostly in limestone. The species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century.

This species is reported to have become naturalised in southern California coastal areas (Smith, et al, 1998; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; www.calflora.org; www.efloras.org; http://redlist.sanbi.org).