Good afternoon
For today’s blog, I’m going to concentrate on one species in the Delosperma genus – that of Delosperma-lavisiæ. This little plant seems to be so nondescript but when one sees a profusion of purple dressing a mountain, it can take one's breath away.
Delosperma (common name – Vygie)
That said, I need to include some information about the genus itself. In summer months in South Africa, many mountainsides in the Free State and Kwazulu Natal are adorned with carpets of tiny flowers, known locally as vygies, which glisten in the sunshine. These are Delosperma plants which, with their succulent, fleshy leaves, serve as water reservoirs, enabling them to thrive in dry conditions. The leaves come in various shapes, including cylindrical, linear, and those forming rosettes. The stems, like the leaves, are often fleshy and succulent, contributing to the plant's drought tolerance. While typically green, the leaves may take on reddish hues in the fall or under specific environmental conditions.
A prominent feature of Delosperma is its daisy-like flowers, which have numerous petals in a wide array of colours, ranging from pink, purple, orange, yellow, to white. There are also bi- or multi-coloured flowers, adding to their visual appeal. The flowering season is typically summer months, from late Spring to Autumn. The flowers close at night or on cloudy days, a fascinating behaviour which few other plants have adds to the plant's unique character.
Most Delosperma species are mat-forming, ground-hugging growth, which spreads to form a dense ground-cover. However as the genus includes many varieties some of which are slightly more upright or clustered.
An interesting and distinctive feature which sets Delosperma apart from other succulents is its unique seed capsules. Unlike most members of the Aizoaceae family, Delosperma seeds are exposed when the capsules open, and are not covered by a protective membrane..
Delosperma-lavisiæ (common name – Drakensberg Ice)
 |
| Drakensberg Mountains, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa |
There are generally good reasons why I do or say certain things – I call it my ‘madness in my method’. This is one. I have many endearing and enduring memories which I have from my childhood. My parents were wonderful and engaged us in so many different aspects of life. My father, particularly, loved to engage us in adventures where we could often learn about different types of geography and flora. My parents would often pack up the family car and drive out somewhere in Natal for another weekend adventure.
The Drakensberg was always a favourite and we’d travel the
few hundred miles overnight on a Friday to land up somewhere exciting for the
weekend. During winter, we went to experience the snow – Durban has a warm
coastal climate and wintertime meant wearing a cardigan so we didn’t often get
to experience it. In summer months, we’d travel to be greeted by range upon
range adorned with the beautiful purple flowers of Drakensberg Ice - Delosperma-lavisiæ.
Physical Characteristics of Delosperma-lavisiæ
Distribution:
Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal
Natural Habitat: Rock
sheets and on rocky outcrops and in stony places - growing as high
as 2,650 m (8,700 ft) up in the Drakensberg mountains.
The Drakensberg boasts cosy inns, characterful
hotels and wonderful wayside pubs which offer an ambience of comfort and
country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to
the Drakensberg is Pietermaritzburg and Durban is a drive of only a few hours
away. It is also a popular hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day
walks and the more energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks.
The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time,
inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge
and a delight.
Delosperma lavisiæ is
an extremely hardy, mat forming succulent plant from high altitude areas of the
Drakensburg. The small succulent leaves range from grey-green with brown tips
in dry conditions to deep green when watered regularly. Purple-pink flowers which
glisten in the sunlight bloom from November to March and attract a whole host
of insects and are important ‘guardians’ of the ecosystem. They have
succulent leaves and stems, which help them retain water in arid environments
and grow close to the ground, forming mats that can spread up to three feet
wide. It grows to a height of 5 to 10cm. An interesting
snippet is that the high salt content of the leaves is said to reduce frost
damage even in the coldest of conditions.
WILDLIFE
Plants for Pollinators: Honey bees and other insects readily visit the flowers to collect pollen.
Uses
Traditional: Used
in traditional medicine
The plant is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal
properties and is used to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, colds,
and headaches.
GARDENING
Landscaping: Colourful groundcover for very hot, arid areas.
Plant in full sun, in very well drained soil, and
do not overwater. It also does well as a showy container plant.
It makes a good spreading groundcover and does well
planted in well-drained soil in a garden bed or rockery, where it will thrive
under the harshest of conditions and be a lovely addition to a rockery, rocky
outcrop or retaining block garden.
TRADITIONAL AND MEDICAL USES
Parts of the plant have been used in local communities as traditional medicine for treating skin conditions and digestive issues.
It also forms part of a group of plants called
"intelezi" in Zulu, used to bring good luck.
Some species are used as magical plants to give
those in possession of them powers to know in advance what their enemies are
planning.
____________________________________________________________________
Sources – photographs and data:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delosperma_lavisiæ
https://www.robsplants.com/plants/DelosLavis
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:361510-1
https://www.bloomindesigns.com/brands/Delosperma.html
https://asucculent.com/18-types-of-popular-delosperma-pictorial-guide/
Bonus source: https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html
No comments:
Post a Comment