Chasmatophyllum musculinum is one of the hardiest mesembs,
highly praised for its longevity and tolerance of a wide range of soils and moisture.

Description: It is a succulent groundcover that forms a tight mat of evergreen foliage and a long-blooming display of bright yellow flowers.
Leaves: Small, light green, with white teeth on upper surface;  small,  finely warty and textured, that form low rosettes.
Flowers: Yellow, silky, daisy-like that open in the afternoon.  If it is too cloudy, the flowers fail to open entirely.
Blooming season:  It blooms for several months, beginning in mid-spring.

Cultivation: Chasmatophyllum is one of the hardiest mesembs and can survive outdoors in European winters without special protection (Frost hardy to -12° C or less). It is a slow growing, but easy species, highly praised for its longevity and tolerance of a wide range of soils and moisture.  It can be cultivated in the ground (it needs a lean, well-drained soil) or in a container, the potting mix should preferably be  very porous, to increase drainage. It needs light shade, but If slowly acclimated, it can take a good deal of sun.  Water regularly in summer (but allow to dry out before you water again);  keep quite dry in winter.  Should be repotted only every 2-3 years

Use: It is perfect for planting as a small-scale xeric groundcover along the edges of walks or flagstone patios where it won’t be stepped on. It is also very useful in rock gardens and cactus beds.  It is also perfect for a bright windowsill.

Scientific name:  Chasmatophyllum musculinum (Haw.) Dinter & Schwantes
In: PHAN.-AIZOACEAE (10/104) 9 Feb 1996

Origin:  Native to the Krugerskraal area in the Karoo mountains of South Africa.

Common Names include: Woody Yellow Mat Iceplant, Hardy tiger's jaws.
 

• ( Basionym) Mesembryanthemum musculinum A. H. Haworth
  In: Z. Sukkulentenk. 3: 14, 17. 1927.

This is a low mat grower and long blooming plant.
"If you try no others, try this!"

Propagation: Cuttings or (rarely) seeds. It is easily propagated by the removal of offshoots in spring. To propagate by cuttings, remove a shoot and let it lie for about one week, giving the wound time to heal. Cuttings should first be allowed to dry and heal by placing them on a cool place for at least one week. The basal part should preferably be treated with a fungicide. Plant the cutting in an erect position in sandy soil. Rooting is rapid, and the plantlets can be planted out in small containers when they are large enough to handle.