Lampranthus spectabilis

Succulent sub-shrub of the Aizoaceae family, native to the rocky areas and arid slopes of the Western Cape, in South Africa, where it colonizes sandy and gravelly substrates in full sun exposure.

Its habit is bushy and semi-trailing, with branched stems that can reach 30 to 40 centimeters in height and spread widely beyond, naturally embracing the relief of the rocks. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, glaucous. In bloom, the plant is submerged with bright magenta to purple flowers, among the most intense of the entire genus, each flower reaching 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter, with numerous fine and narrow petals framing a bright golden yellow heart. It is precisely this saturation of color, almost unreal in full sun, that gives the species its epithet.

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

Very well-drained soil, poor, absolute full sun, summer drought tolerated. Sensitive to cold and damp. To be reserved for regions with mild winters.