These nine species all have black filamentous staminodes in the centre of their flowers, they are all small, erect shrubs, and they all occur in the southern Cape, South Africa.

[2][3] Drosanthemum lavisii is an endangered species, endemic to the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

Its distribution range extends from Ashton, Bonnievale and Montagu in the north, southwards as far as Bredasdorp and the northern foothills of the Potberg mountain.

Specifically, its distribution range follows the inland transition-zone, between the Renosterveld and Fynbos vegetation types.

The surrounding vegetation includes small shrubs, Restionaceae and a high density of grasses among the alluvial gravels.