Scientific Name
Antimima turneriana (L.Bolus) H.E.K.Hartmann
Synonym(s)
Ruschia turneriana
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Antimima
Origin
Antimima turneriana is native to South Africa. It occurs in Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape province, growing in crevices of white quartz, marble, or limestone.
Description
Antimima turneriana is a low-growing succulent that forms compact clumps of short, branched stems with pairs of three-angled gray-green leaves with convex sides and covered long papillae. The leaves are fused basally into a sheath. They are thick, fleshy, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide, and nearly equal in thickness.
The flowers are up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter, pinkish-magenta, and appear in winter, usually in groups of three or rarely solitary. Fruits are 5-locular capsules with pear-shaped seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small and affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
Care basics are very simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. The difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Antimima
- 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.
