Gazania nivea

Probably Lampranthus spectabilis or a close hybrid. Succulent sub-shrub of the Aizoaceae family, native to the Cape region in South Africa, where it grows on rocky slopes and coastal garrigues in a climate with marked summer drought.

It forms sprawling, dense cushions, 20 to 40 centimeters in height, with woody stems at the base bearing fleshy, glaucous green leaves of triangular section. In full bloom, the foliage disappears entirely under a tight carpet of flowers with radiating petals, in a bright magenta tinged with fuchsia pink, with a whitish to yellowish center. The effect is striking, almost unreal in strong light.

In its natural habitat, flowering extends from September to November, which corresponds to the southern spring; in Mediterranean cultivation, it occurs from April to June.

It requires very well-drained, poor soil, full sun exposure, and perfectly withstands summer drought. Frost-sensitive, Lampranthus spectabilis does not withstand negative temperatures: in regions with cold winters, it is often grown as an annual; in mild climates, it can behave as a perennial. Planted among the rocks of a rock garden, it naturally takes on a sculpted form that enhances the surrounding mineral relief.