Scientific Name
Astridia velutina Dinter
Synonym(s)
Astridia blanda, Mesembryanthemum velutinum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Astridia
Origin
The native range of Astridia velutina is from southern Namibia to the north-eastern Richtersvel in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
Description
Astridia velutina is a small succulent with ascending, branched stems that bear thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves that grow in opposing pairs. The stems can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The leaves are 3-angled and can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
The flowers are daisy-like, about 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and have numerous narrow white petals.
Astridia velutina is similar to Corpuscularia lehmannii but has white flowers instead of orange or yellow in the latter.
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, affecting how they must be treated in cultivation.
The care basics are simple, with free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and to 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. There are some Mesembs that begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Astridia
- 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.
