Delosperma
Delosperma ('delos'=evident, 'sperma'=seed) is a genus of around 170 species of succulent plants, formerly included in "Mesembryanthemum" in the family Aizoaceae. It was defined by English botanist N. E. Brown in 1925. The genus is common in southern and eastern Africa. "Delosperma" species, as do most Aizoaceae, have hygrochastic capsules, opening and closing as they wet and dry. Distinguishing characters. Plants of the genus "Delosperma" can be distinguished by their seed capsules. When these open (in response to rain), the seeds are exposed and not covered by a protective membrane, like those of most other plants in the family . The membrane is sometimes reduced to just a ledge (a feature shared by the related genus "Trichodiadema". The triangular valves, which open outwards when wet, each have distinctive wings on either side. "Delosperma" leaves tend to grooved or covered in bladder cells, which are sometimes even extended into hairs. The leaf shape is cylindrical or sometimes flattened. "Delosperma" species are long-lived, and flower mostly in the summer. Their flowers vary greatly in colour. Species. Species include: