Scientific Name
Anacampseros filamentosa subsp. tomentosa (A.Berger) Gerbaulet
Common Name(s)
Thready Anacampseros, Thready Talinum, Rabbit's Food, Hare's Food
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros tomentosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros
Origin
Anacampseros filamentosa subsp. tomentosa is native to Namibia.
Description
Anacampseros filamentosa subsp. tomentosa, also known as Anacampseros tomentosa, is a small succulent that forms clusters of fleshy stems covered in densely packed leaves with a dense coat of hair, giving it a white color. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The leaves are dark green and can measure up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. Each leaf is almost a sphere with a tiny down-turned "chin" at its tip.
The red-violet flowers appear in summer and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
This subspecies looks almost identical to Anacampseros filamentosa subsp. filamentosa.
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Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Anacampseros grow well in partial sun with bright light, enhancing the leaf colors 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 potency 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, mainly 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
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