Scientific Name
Cheiridopsis denticulata (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Carpet Weed, Lobster Claws
Synonym(s)
Cheiridopsis denticulata var. denticulata, Mesembryanthemum denticulatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Cheiridopsis
Origin
The native range of Cheiridopsis denticulata is from Lüderitz in Namibia southwards through the Richtersveld and Namaqualand in the Northern Cape to the northern parts of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows on flats or slopes.
Description
Cheiridopsis denticulata is a succulent subshrub with opposite, one or two, sometimes three pairs of thick, fleshy leaves forming a gaping V, each leaf flaring to tip and unequally toothed. It grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter, forming a dense clump. The leaves are pale bluish-grey to silvery-white, never brownish, rarely green. They are triangular in cross-section and taper to an acute tip with a tiny spine.
The solitary flowers are pale yellow to cream or white with a rosy tinge, long- and sturdily-stalked, and appear in late winter, opening during the afternoon. The fruits are 12- to 20-locular capsules with whitish to brownish seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs mostly adapt 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 affect how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care 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 Cheiridopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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