Gansies

Gansies (Conicosia pugioniformis) belong to the subfamily Mesembryanthemaceae. They are a low-growing plant found in sandy soils and can be observed in the southern Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and the along the Orange River.

A feature of this fast growing succulent species is their magnificent shiny-yellow 'vygie' flowers with cylinderical green-grey leaves that bloom from August to September. They attract insects and bees, require very little watering and are half-hardy and are best if grown in the sunshine. Gansies are known to make good ground cover for dry, sandy soils or perhaps a rockery.