Delosperma mahonii

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb that lies along the ground. It is succulent and keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25 cm high. It is woody at the base. The leaves are distant and spreading on the long shoots and crowded and erect on the short side shoots. The leaf blades are 2-5 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. They are thick and furrowed. The flowers occur as several together in forked groups. They are 25 mm across. They are pink to purple and have a sweet smell.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry locations. It can grow in arid places. It grows in grassland and on sandy soils. It can tolerate drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The roots are used for fermenting beer. They act like a yeast.

Edible parts

Roots - drink

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or using woody stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum mahonii N. E. Br.;