Scientific Name
Tanquana prismatica (Schwantes) H.Hartmann & Liede
Common Name(s)
Rock Mesemb, Tanqua Cattle Hoof
Synonym(s)
Pleiospilos prismaticus, Mesembryanthemum prismaticum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Tanquana
Etymology
The specific epithet "prismatica" (pronounced "priz-MAT-ih-kuh") means "prismatic, having the form of a prism" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Tanquana prismatica is native to South Africa.
Description
Tanquana prismatica is a clump-forming succulent with usually one pair of smooth leaves with scattered spots. New leaf pairs grow from the gap between old ones, from where the flowers also appear. The leaves vary in color from yellow-green and orange to purple and brown on newer parts and to dull bluish-grey on the older and lower parts. They can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide at the base.
The flowers are yellow and appear in winter, reaching a diameter of up to 1.6 inches (4 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Tanquana prismatica
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Mesembs are primarily adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small, which affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are very simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. The difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants require a loam-based compost with additional drainage material, such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will withstand temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Tanquana
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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