Plants of the genus
Delosperma can be distinguished by their seed capsules. When these open (in response to rain), the seeds are exposed and not covered by a protective membrane, like those of most other plants in the family. The membrane is sometimes reduced to just a ledge (a feature shared by the related genus
Trichodiadema. The triangular valves, which open outwards when wet, each have distinctive wings on either side.
Delosperma leaves tend to be grooved or covered in bladder cells, which are sometimes even extended into hairs. The leaf shape is cylindrical or sometimes flattened. File:Delosperma bosseranum seeds.jpg|When the valves of their seed capsules open, the seeds of
Delosperma are exposed, and not covered by any membrane or covering. File:Delosperma floribundum Starburst 4zz.jpg|
Delosperma floribundum leaves showing bladder cells typical of this genus File:Delosperma sutherlandii 2017-05-31 2119.jpg|The bladder cells of
Delosperma sutherlandii are elongated into fine hairs File:Delosperma pruinosum 3c.JPG|The bladder cells of
Delosperma pruinosum are extended into thicker hairs.
Delosperma species are long-lived, and flower mostly in the summer. Their flowers vary greatly in colour. ==Selected species==