Scientific Name
Anacampseros crinita Dinter
Accepted Scientific Name
Anacampseros baeseckei Dinter ex Poelln.
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros baeseckei var. crinita
Scientific Classification
Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros
Etymology
The specific epithet "crinita" (pronounced "krin-EE-tuh") means "hairy" or "long-haired" and refers to the long, curling hairs that cover the leaves of the plant.
Origin
Anacampseros crinita is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Namaqualand). It is not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Anacampseros baeseckei.
Description
Anacampseros crinita is a small succulent with fleshy branches densely packed with overlapping leaves in several spirals. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and develops a small caudex. The leaves are pale grey-green to reddish-green, with the hook cells merged into solid plates and white hairs more or less densely matted and longer than the leaves.
The pink flowers appear in summer and can measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Anacampseros crinita
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Anacampseros grow well in partial sun and bright light, enhancing leaf color and keeping them compact. They require gritty, free-draining soil with added organic material and low to moderate watering. The caudiciform species are prone to rot and should be watered very sparingly. Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer during the growing season, diluted to 1/4 strength and mixed into the watering can for application.
These succulents are excellent plants for container growing. Anacampseros always look good and stay small. They look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame and do well outdoors in raised beds and terraces.
Anacampseros may be attractive to a variety of insects. Still, plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if grown in a mineral potting mix with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, watch carefully for any significant decline in health. This may signal a pest problem that should be dealt with quickly to prevent scarring, stunting, and even death.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Anacampseros.
Links
- Back to genus Anacampseros
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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