By Buck Hemenway
We know this plant family by many names. The newest is Aizoaceae and the most familiar are Mesembryanthema (Mesembs), Ice Plant and Vygies. There are about 150 recognized genera of succulent plants and more than 2000 species in this family. They have been categorized in many ways by as many authors who have published books on them.
By far the majority of these plants are native to South Africa. It can be completely overwhelming for the succulent enthusiast to be plunked down on a roadside among 10 to 20 varieties of Mesembs, most of which one can only guess the identity of. From the diminutive Oophytum to the larger woody stemmed shrubs of the Ruschia and Lampranthus genera, the variety and scope of this family is truly amazing.
Most of the family are perennial plants that survive in unbelievable conditions. Just a few weeks of rain per year provide enough for them to survive. We need to know a little about how they survive in their native habitats in order to successfully grow them in our collections. There is an article that was written on the family by Steven Hammer for the CSSA Journal in 1995 that can be found on-line and will provide excellent guidance for the culture of these wonderful plants. It is a must for all Mesemb Growers.
For the most part, the plants of this family are quite easy to grow. Their habitats are very similar to our Southern California. We tend to be hotter and a little colder than most appreciate, but we can find ways to mitigate those differences. The real key is water. Remember that most of them survive on rainfall that happens in a very short time frame and as such cannot stand to be watered when they are not ready for it. Many of the genera are separated by their seed capsules which are pure natures genius.
Gates Cactus and Succulent Society 