Is one of a number of plant species which are presently being tested for their suitability to be grown as Green Roof plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results. They all occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban city centre

Growth habit
These plants are small to medium evergreen to deciduous herbaceous shrubs. They have the habit of spreading as a result of branches that take root on touching the ground. They reproduce naturally mostly by means of seed

Decorative value
These plants have small grey green leaves and a profusion of flowers in the summer and Autumn,  they can become a little untidy  with age.

Drought resistance
In their natural habitat they are able to withstand long dry periods due to their semi-succulent nature and large succulent root system which is quickly able to store large amounts of water.
From my experience of growing these plants as pot plants I have found them to be very drought resistant.

Disease and pest resistance
The flowers are frequently attacked by mealy bugs.

Suitability as Green Roof plants
These plants are small to medium in size. They are probably best suited as feature plants, but could possibly be planted en mass. These plants are best established from cuttings taken from mature plants.
Under our test conditions where these plants have not been under competition from more vigorous growing plants they are showing good results.

Biodiversity value in the Green Roof landscape
Their flowers attract large numbers of pollinating insects in particular solitary bees and small butterflies.

Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof application
None that I am aware of at the moment