Scientific Name
Aichryson tortuosum (Aiton) Webb & Berthel.
Common Name(s)
Gouty Houseleek
Synonym(s)
Aeonium tortuosum, Aichryson pulvinatum, Aichryson pygmaeum, Aichryson radicescens, Macrobia tortuosa, Sempervivum pulvinatum, Sempervivum pygmaeum, Sempervivum radicescens, Sempervivum tortuosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aichryson
Description
Aichryson tortuosum is a succulent shrublet with dense tortuous branches and hairy green leaves tinged with purplish-red. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Branches are hairy, often glabrous below, and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide. Flowers are star-shaped, deep yellow, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across, and appear in winter. This species is very variable, and the true, unhybridized specimen is rarely seen in cultivation.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aichrysons grow as understory plants in the endemic laurel and pine forests of the Canary Islands and prefer to grow in slightly shaded moist soil with plenty of humus. They tolerate a cool, frost-free winter kept fairly dry. Some species are annuals or biennials, but the shrubby perennials also need to be restarted from cuttings regularly to be at their best. Many species produce volunteer seedlings around themselves after flowering.
These succulents are very tolerant of mixed conditions and will tolerate considerable shade as well as full sun. Given the right conditions, these plants will provide an incredible show of yellow flowers. Grow these plants hard with very little fertilizer because they can flower themselves to death. Aichrysons have a very structural trunk and make excellent bonsai subjects.
In winter, they require a rather sunny spot inside at moderate, cool temperatures. If they become too large, plants can be cut back. Cuttings will easily root within a few days. These ornamental dwarf plants are excellent pot plants and will thrive in any partially shaded spot at cool temperatures, e.g., on a window sill.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aichryson.
Origin
This species is native to the Canary Islands.
Varieties
Links
- Back to genus Aichryson
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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