Botanical family: Aizoaceae

Aloinopsis sp.

The genus Aloinopsis is closely allied to Titanopsis. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Like all living rocks, they thrive in porous soils with excellent drainage.

Aptenia cordifolia

This plant grows best in full sun and tolerates poor soils, heavy or well-drained. Flowering is in summer and autumn. Easily propagated by cuttings or seed. The very similar A. lancifolia, sometimes refered to in the trade as A. cordifolia 'Fuchsia', is almost identical (the leaves are less cordate) except in being less vigorous, and with distinct magenta or fuchsia colored flowers.

They grow well on retaining walls and hanging baskets.

Carpobrotus acinaciformis

The leaves are gray-green, saber-shaped and up to 3 in long. From spring to fall the plants bear purple flowers up to 6 in across that open only in the sun. Propagation: Easy from stem cuttings that can be placed in the ground where you want it to grow. The plant prefers light, sandy soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Carpobrotus edulis

Highway iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis) is a ground-hugging succulent perennial that roots at the nodes, has a creeping habit, and often forms deep mats covering large areas. Shallow, fibrous roots are produced at every node that is in contact with the soil. Highway iceplant has been widely planted for soil stabilization and landscaping.

Highway iceplant tolerates a range of soil moisture and nutrient conditions and can establish and grow in the presence of competitors and herbivores. Drought resistant, does better with some water in winter during the growing season, needs good drainage.

Carpobrotus sp.

Species:

Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Carpobrotus edulis

Delosperma cooperi, Mesembryanthemum cooperi

Delsoperma cooperi forms a dense lawn with abundant and long-lasting flowering. It can be cultivated in a wide range of areas with a Mediterranean climate.

Delosperma echinatum

Delosperma echinatum, commonly known as Pickle Plant, is a small plant native to South Africa. It grows anywhere from 2-5 feet tall and prefers full sun and moderate water. Its ornamental foliage is comprised of small pickle-shaped leaves on thin wiry stems, with bristly hairs adorning the plant's exterior. During the late spring and early summer, it will produce abundant clusters of white and off-white flowers. As the season progresses, the flowers turn to a vibrant yellow and orange. Though it is not cold hardy, it can be grown in containers in regions with colder climates in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

In order to keep your Delosperma echinatum thriving, it is important to make sure it is in full sun and given moderate amounts of water. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings and the plant should not be overwatered. Delosperma echinatum benefits from the occasional application of a balanced fertilizer and can be pruned to shape if desired. Those growing the Pickle Plant in a pot in a cold region should bring it indoors for the colder months and move it back outdoors when the temperature rises.

Faucaria sp.

Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is a small plant native to South Africa. It grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet and loves full sun. It requires moderate water when actively growing in the spring and fall but its leaves can survive dry conditions for a long time. Its ornamental foliage has a yellow to orange color. During the growing season, it produces bright yellow and orange flowers which contrasts with its foliage.

Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is ideal for USDA Zones 9-11 and can be grown in a pot even in cold climates. To ensure the best growth, never let the soil become soggy or too dry; water about once a week. As for fertilizer, use a diluted liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Since Faucaria sp. (Tiger Jaws) is a desert plant, it should be planted in an area with good drainage. During cooler months, it is best to provide some protection from frost.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla, Fenestraria aurantiaca

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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and Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. kgalagadi with off-white flowers

Fenestraria rhopalophylla, also known as the Window Plant, is a small shrub native to South Africa. It usually grows to a height of 2-5 feet and is best grown in USDA Zone 10-11. With its unique opens windows at the top of each leaf and its white, off-white, or yellow-orange flowers, it makes for a great conversation piece.

Despite being a desert plant, the Window Plant needs full sun to thrive and does best in slightly dry conditions.

If you choose to grow the Window Plant outdoors, make sure you plant it in an area that has well-drained soil, as this little shrub does not like damp roots. When it's Outdoor temperature is cooling off, the rains arriving and frost is a possibility, the Window Plant should be given protection to prevent damage to its foliage. Gardeners living in a colder region can still enjoy it; simply try planting it in a pot and bringing it indoors during periods of cold so as to protect its delicate stems.

Finally, it should be noted that Fenestraria rhopalophylla is a hardy plant, but should be given basic care such as pruning of dead or dying branches and the occasional fertilizing to ensure its continued health and growth. With the right conditions, this exotic little shrub can make a spectacular addition to any garden.

Glottiphyllum sp.

There are less than 20 Glottiphyllum coming mostly from the southern part of South Africa. They are clustering plants similar looking to the bigger trailing ice plant with the difference that they have virtually no stem. The cylindrical, flattened or tongue-shaped leaves come in groups of 2 or 3 pairs, soon pretty crowded. The name Glottiphyllum comes from the Greek for "shaped as a tongue"

They large yellow flowers come mostly in late fall. Glottiphyllum are almost always self-sterile, which means that you need different plants from the same location to obtain seeds. Since this is not always easy to achieve, it accounts for the large number of misidentified hybrids. Glottiphyllum are generally easy to grow from seeds.