Scientific Name
Antimima turneriana (L.Bolus) H.E.K.Hartmann
Common Name(s)
Fuzzy Matfig
Synonym(s)
Ruschia turneriana
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Antimima
Etymology
The specific epithet "turneriana" (pronounced "tur-ner-ee-AH-nuh") honors V. A. Turner, owner of the farm Varsrivier in Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape, South Africa, where the holotype of this species was collected by Philip Albert Brand van Breda in 1963.
Origin
Antimima turneriana is native to South Africa. It grows in crevices of white quartz, marble, or limestone in Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape.
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 with long papillae. The leaves are fused basally into a sheath. They are thick and fleshy, measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide, and nearly equal in thickness.
The pinkish-magenta flowers can reach a diameter of 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) and appear in winter, usually in groups of three or rarely solitary. The fruits are 5-locular capsules with pear-shaped seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Antimima turneriana
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Mesembs are primarily 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.
The care basics are very simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. However, the difficulties are endless when 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
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