Antegibbaeum fissoides is the only species in the monotypic genus Antegibbaeum. It is known locally as "volstruistone," which means "ostrich toes" in Afrikaans.
Scientific Name
Antegibbaeum fissoides (Haw.) Schwantes ex C.Weber
Synonym(s)
Gibbaeum fissoides, Gibbaeum nelii, Mesembryanthemum fissoides
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Antegibbaeum
Etymology
The specific epithet "fissoides (pronounced fiss-OY-deez)" refers to the similarity of the species to Argyroderma fissum.
Origin
Antegibbaeum fissoides is native to South Africa. It grows on quartz patches, often with Gibbaeum in western Little Karoo, from Touws River to Barrydale in the Western Cape province.
Description
Antegibbaeum fissoides is a dwarf succulent with erect or creeping stems and finger-like leaves that grow in unequal pairs emerging from the gap between the previous pair. It can reach 3.22 inches (8 cm) in height and form a dense clump by branching from the base. The smooth, waxy leaves are yellow-green to grey-green or reddish in winter. They are curved, with a flat or slightly convex upper surface, a roundly keeled lower surface, and a blunt tip. The leaves are fused in pairs at the base, and each pair is attached at a right angle above the previous one on the branch. They can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide.
The pink or purple flowers are short-stalked and can reach up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. They appear from late winter to early spring, opening around noon and closing near sunset. The fruits are capsules with 6 or 7 locules that contain brown, rough-surfaced seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Antegibbaeum fissoides
Light: Antegibbaeum fissoides requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill that receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be a perfect spot for indoor growing.
Soil: The plant thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Therefore, use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but this plant is not cold-hardy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep Antegibbaeum fissoides healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water. During the dormant period, usually in summer, the plant requires little or no water. In the fall, once it grows again, water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing: As long as you repot this plant every two years, it does not need fertilizer.
Repotting: Even if it can stay happy in the same pot for years, once in a while, you can repot your plant to give it more space anytime during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: Although usually started from seeds in the fall, Antegibbaeum fissoides can also be easily propagated by stem cuttings during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Antegibbaeum fissoides
Antegibbaeum fissoides is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Antegibbaeum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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