Accepted Scientific Name: Titanopsis schwantesii (Dinter ex Schwantes) Schwantes
Z. Sukkulentenk. ii. 179 (1926).
Titanopsis luderitzii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
MG1873.54 Pockenbank (yellowish white leaves)
Origin and Habitat: Southern Namibia.
Habit:The delicate, frosted wafers of Titanopsis schwantesiiSN|13458]]SN|13458]] grows thickly nestled into pebbles and gravel which this Titanopsis resembles to an unbelievable degree, this camouflage allows them to escape detection and is a very effective strategy for escaping predation. It comes from winter rainfall areas but will easily adapt to a summer watering regime and is probably the most common among these plants.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Titanopsis schwantesii
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Titanopsis schwantesii (Dinter ex Schwantes) SchwantesZ. Sukkulentenk. ii. 179 (1926).Synonymy: 7
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Description: Titanopsis luderitziiSN|13461]]SN|13461]] is a local or morphological form of the variable Titanopsis schwantesiiSN|13458]]SN|13458]]. It distinguishes for the leaves that are dark yellowish green with brownish colouring; is inclined to be more touchy than some of the other species. Flowers yellow with flesh coloured tips.
Habit: It is a mat forming succulent with clusters of basal rosettes.
Stem: Very short with internodes not visible.
Rosettes: up to 5(-7) cm wide, usually with 6-8 (or more) crowded opposite leaves.
Leaves: Short, fleshy, spathulate, with rounded ends up to 3 cm long and 3-7 mm broad toward the base and up to 12 mm broad above, yellowish green with brownish colouring. Upper and lower surface covered with yellowish, flesh-coloured, greyish-brown or yellowish-brown flat warts. Old leaves will die off very slowly.
Flowers: Solitary, stalked, with usual mesemb ‘daisy’ form, 15-18 mm in diameter, pale yellow with flesh coloured tips, occasiaonally orangish or pinkish (usually pale canary yellow in Titanopsis schwantesiiSN|13458]]SN|13458]]). Petals numerous in two whorls. Sepals 5(-6) with tubercles like those on the leaves and with membranous margin. Stigmas 5-6
Blooming season: Titanopsis luderitziiSN|13461]]SN|13461]] flowers in the afternoon in early spring.
Fruit: Capsules 5-6-chamberd.
Notes: The Genus Titanopsis comprises three to six species, depending on botanists' opinions. Some botanists have now lumped Titanopsis lüderitzii and Titanopsis primosiiSN|13463]]SN|13463]] in with Titanopsis schwantesii.
The species list for Titanopsis is considered to be Titanopsis calcareaSN|12601]]SN|12599]], Titanopsis fulleriSN|12599]]SN|12601]] ( = calcarea ), Titanopsis hugo-schlecteri, Titanopsis lüderitzii ( = schwantesii ), Titanopsis primosiiSN|13463]]SN|13463]] ( = schwantesii ), Titanopsis schwantesii
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer, 2002
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass - Casuarinaceae to Aristolochiaceae” Cambridge University Press, 11/ago/2011
3) Hermann Jacobsen, Vera Higgins “Succulent Plants: Description, Cultivation and Uses of Succulent Plants, Other Than Cacti” Williams and Norgate, Limited, 1935
4) Jacobsen. “Handbook of succulent plants” 1328 (1960)
5) H. Herre “The genera of the Mesembryanthemaceae” Tafelberg-Uitgewers Beperk, 1971
Titanopsis luderitzii Photo by: Giuseppe Distefano
Titanopsis luderitzii Photo by: Giuseppe DistefanoCultivation and Propagation: This species is easy to grow and clumps readily, forming a beautiful succulent mat. This is a winter grower species, but in cold climates we expect most growth in spring and autumn when the weather is cool but the sun is strong. Needs moderate water when growing in late fall and early spring. Keep somewhat dry the rest of the time. It will need a little water even in summer, just enough to stop excessive shrivelling. Over-watering makes the old leaves die off more quickly, and can also produce rot. Like all living rocks, they thrive in porous soils with excellent drainage. It can tolerates high heat and heavy frost to -10° C. Enjoy bright shade in summer and full sun during the other seasons.
Propagation: They grow quickly from seed or by division of larger clumps, including a piece of the rootstock.
Titanopsis luderitzii Tischer: It distinguishes for the leaves that are dark yellowish green with brownish colouring. Distribution: Southern Namibia.
