Conophytum saxetanum Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Rooiberg, South Namib, Namibia
Origin and Habitat: Namibia and Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Altitude: 20-1125 m.
Habitat: They are rock-dwelling plants that grow on rock wedged in the crevices or like lichens, which they superficially resemble blooms.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Conophytum saxetanum
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Conophytum saxetanum (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.Gard. Chron. 3, 71: 261 1922Synonymy: 10
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Description: Conophytum saxetanumSN|22686]]SN|22686]] is perennial succulent forming dense mats or domes up to 4 cm tall with several hundreds heads. It is one of the smaller species. Depending on the growing conditions they can live up to 100 years and more .
Body (Paired Leaves): 5-10 mm highly, (2-)3-4(-6) mm in diameter, pea-like, cylindrical with a convex apex, fissure very reduced, green to dull green, in habitat often with a beautiful red coloration seldom seen in cultivation. At the base of the leaf pair there is a grey-whitish, yellowish-white or pale brown sheath, that is the remnants of the older leaves.
Flowers: White, mostly nocturnal and fragrant.
Cultivation and Propagation: These plants grow on winter rain and head for summer dormancy. The growing season in northern hemisphere is from September to March. They require little water; otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). Water minimally in summer, (only occasional misting). Water regularly in winter after the previous year's leaves have dried up. Require good drainage. They enjoy full sun or half-shade and in summer they need to be kept in a cool area. Hardy to -2°C. Ensure a very good ventilation. Avoid to repot frequently. They may stay in the same pot for many years. Plants grown in larger containers have frequently relatively poor flowers. They might improve when the plants are given their own, small individual pots.
Propagation: They can be reproduced both by cuttings and seeds. Take the cutting from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root.