This mound-forming Rosea Ice Plant is native to South Africa and Namibia, which also makes a resilient ground cover in Arriyadh. First, it forms a ground-hugging mat some 20 cm high that eventually grows a centred bump of up to 60 cm high and 1 metre across. The grey-green foliage and the stems feature papillae that look like dewdrops for which it was alternatively named Dew Flower. Evergreen leaves are arranged oppositely and may reach 3 cm in length. Pink star-shaped flowers with a diameter of 3 cm cover this succulent perennial in spring. This Ice Plant demands well-drained soil, appreciates regular watering in summer and loves full sun. Light frost does not show any damage, since this plant belongs to the hardiest genus amongst the iceplant family (Aizoaceae, previously known as Mesembryanthemaceae). More than 100 species belong to the genus Drosanthemum, but only a few are cultivated, of which this is the favourite. Most members of this genus and even the entire family are called Ice Plants for the glittering surface of some species’ leaves. Soils may be low in nutrients and high in salinity, but waterlogging is not tolerated and will soon kill the plant. Sowing results in types that vary in flower colour ranging from mauve to almost white, and this offspring may also have flowers 5 cm across. More often, Ice Plants are propagated by cuttings. They look best trailing along rocky slopes and do not require any maintenance if their growth conditions are met. Some shade is tolerated, but may reduce the floral display.