Accepted Scientific Name: Cheiridopsis pillansii L. Bolus
S. African Gard. 17: 326. 1927; L. Bolus, Notes Mesembr. Pt. 1, 130. 1928.
Cheiridopsis pillansii var. crassa Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Little Namaqualand, Northern Cape, South Africa.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Cheiridopsis pillansii
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Cheiridopsis pillansii L. BolusS. African Gard. 17: 326. 1927; L. Bolus, Notes Mesembr. Pt. 1, 130. 1928.Synonymy: 5
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Description: Cheiridopsis pillansiiSN|14664]]SN|14664]] var. crassa with soft pubescent crimped leaves differs minimally from the standard Cheiridopsis pillansiiSN|14664]]SN|14664]] and it is hard to tell apart only by body characteristics.
Habit: It is a small cushion forming and low growing leaf succulent.
Stems: Very short with only 2 or 4 leaves.
Leaves: Up to 4,5 cm long, ale grey, fat, with rounded ends and many dark dots. Leaves are soft and pubescent.
Flowers: Large, scented, up to 6 cm in diameter, usually yellow, but also pinkish or orange in colour.
Blooming season: Autumn.
Remarks: The Cheiridopsis is dormant in summer.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Cheiridopsis pillansii group
Cultivation and Propagation: The Cheiridopsis pillansiiSN|14664]]SN|14664]] is a "winter" grower which is most active from late winter until later spring and heading for summer dormancy, but in favourable growing conditions it keeps going over the summer too and doesn't need particular care.
Soil: Requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot.
Fertilization: It thrives in poor soils and seems sensitive to an excess of potassium.
Watering: Water minimally in summer, only when the plant starts shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in the autumn and spring. Requires little water otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars).
Light: It needs a bright sunny or light shade exposure in winter, but keep cool and shaded in summer.
Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and will take a light frost (Hardy to -5°C) if it is in dry soil. USDA zones 9A – 11.
Uses: Container, rock garden.
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings. It is easily propagated by seed.