Scientific Name
Anacampseros telephiastrum DC.
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros anacampseros, Portulaca anacampseros, Ruelingia anacampseros, Talinum anacampseros
Scientific Classification
Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros
Origin
Anacampseros telephiastrum is native to South Africa. It grows in rocky flats and slopes from Worcester in the Western Cape through the southern Great Karoo to the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Anacampseros telephiastrum is a small, clump-forming succulent with fleshy, green to brownish-green, closely crowded leaves on short stems and axillary hairs usually shorter than the leaves. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and form a small caudex as a plant base with age. The leaves are ovate, pointed at the tip, and can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers are pink, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter, and appear on stout peduncles in summer and open in the afternoon.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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.
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.
Cultivars
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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