Namaqua Vygie

Cheiridopsis namaquensis is a succulent subshrub native to South Africa’s Cape provinces. The Cape Town veldfire groundcover table uses the name Cheiridopsis cigarettifera; both Kew and the South African National Biodiversity Institute treat that name as a synonym of C. namaquensis. The latter is a broad species treatment that includes many historical names, so nursery plants and local forms may vary. Select nursery-propagated material and verify its identity, mature dimensions, cold tolerance, soil drainage and local suitability with the supplier before design use. The city’s source lists the historical taxon as a succulent groundcover barrier; this does not establish the performance of every form. Maintain clearance and remove accumulated dead material; no plant is fireproof. Sources: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/360907-1 ; https://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=129-132 ; https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf ## Cape Town — 2004 barrier table scope and maintenance The [Cape Town veldfire planning guidelines](https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf), Annexure 1, section 3.3, include the following source entry or entries: Table 4 (Groundcovers): “Cheiridopsis cigarettifera” / Vygie. Source historical name is included in a broader accepted C. namaquensis concept; nursery identity and form remain qualified. The city's PDF timed out during this audit; these table cells and adjacent conditions were checked in the [indexed copy of the same April 2004 document](https://www.scribd.com/document/790764685/Ukuvuka-Veldfire-Related-Planning-Guidelines-2004-04-29). This records that historical source's guidance; check current local requirements and suitability before use. General source conditions: use broad-leaved, moisture-rich plants as potential screens at the fireward property edge; maintain an easy-to-walk-through garden and leaf litter no more than 15 mm deep. Avoid flammable plants under decks, against walls/wooden pillars or in hanging baskets. Remove accumulated garden refuse and dead material. No source listing guarantees survival or prevents all burning. Groundcover barriers are intended to remain low and reduce the passage of flames through the garden. Succulent leaf moisture helps, but persistent dead aloe leaves must be removed. Remove dry seasonal stems, especially on annual species; keep adjacent lawn short and avoid a continuous grass route from the boundary to the house. The broad “other prostrate ground covers” row remains unassigned and does not designate all groundcovers.