Scientific Name
Anacampseros filamentosa (Haw.) Sims
Common Name(s)
Hare's Food, Rabbit's Food, Thready Anacampseros, Thready Talinum
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros filamentosa subsp. filamentosa, Ruelingia filamentosa, Portulaca filamentosa, Talinum filamentosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros
Description
Anacampseros filamentosa is a small succulent that forms clusters of slender, erect to prostrate stems covered in round, densely packed leaves. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The leaves are up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long, almost a sphere with a tiny, down-turned "chin" at the tip. The entire plant is covered in a dense hair coat, giving it a white color. Additionally, a few longer, bristly hairs extend further out. The dark green to brown leaf color shows through the hairs.
In summer, this plant produces pink flowers that can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The flowers appear in small clusters, usually 3 to 5, on erect, fawn-colored stalks that grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall.
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 mix 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 as well.
Anacampseros may attract various insects, but 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.
Origin
Anacampseros filamentosa is native to the Karoo region of South Africa.
Subspecies
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
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