The Aizoaceae (Fig-marigold family) is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants, containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plants or carpet weeds. Most of the Aizoaceae’s diversity is found in the South Africa at Cape region. Only a few species are found in Australia and the Central Pacific Islands. Most Fig-marigolds are herbaceous, rarely they have woody, stems either erect or prostrate. The family includes many species that use crassulacean acid metabolism (Unlike those of most plants, the stomata of many succulent plants are closed during the day and open at night. As a result, the loss of water during the hot dry daytime hours is minimized and carbon dioxide uptake occurs in the dark. These succulent plants, therefore, exhibit a modified form of CO₂ fixation and photosynthesis called crassulacean acid metabolism. These plants can be used at bedrooms without the risk of given carbondioxite to the air at night).

Oscularia deltoides, is an evergreen species of low growing succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family. It is native to the south-western Cape, found at among sandstone rocks in the winter-rainfall mountains. Growing to 30 cm high and spreading indefinitely, it has blue foliage. The fat, succulent leaves are three-sided with red teeth on the margins. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word ‘delta’ for triangular in reference to the 3 angled leaves. Species name Oscularia, comes from Latin word ‘osculum’: small mouth. ‘Oscularia‘ meaning ‘a group of small mouths’ and refers to the toothed leaves of Oscularia deltoides. The correct name for this plant is now considered to be Lampranthus deltoids.

Deltoid-Leaved Dewplant is a robust, trailing perennial shrublet. The stems are succulent and reddish. The blue leaves are characteristically three-angled, often tinged red in the drier season. In spring into summer it produces masses of pink, almond-scented flowers. Yellow centred pink flowers that are closed up in the morning but open, often to cover the plant, in the afternoon. Stamens, being white below and pink above, are collected into a cone in the centre of the flower. Plant can be easily be propagated from cuttings or by seeds. It should be planted in a sunny position, although does not mind to light shade. Too much shade is a bit sparse and bloom less. Oscularia deltoides prefers well-drained soil and should be irrigated regularly to get best performance. The plant is hardy to at least -8°C. This lovely, crawling mesemb will tolerate extreme environmental conditions without showing any signs of stress.

Use in Landscape: Deltoid-Leaved Dewplant is widely used in horticulture. It provides a stunning show when in full bloom and the interesting foliage makes it an attractive plant year-round.

Oscularia deltoides is an easy-to-grow, succulent groundcover, ideal as an accent plant for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. This low-maintenance succulent spreads out forming a colorful mat and grows well on the rocky edge of flower beds where it cascades over the edge. It can be grown in pots too. Plant attracts butterflies.