Scientific Name
Conophytum herreanthus S.A.Hammer
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "herreanthus" (pronounced "her-ray-ANTH-us") honors Adolar Gottlieb Julius (Hans) Herre (1895-1979), a German botanist, explorer, and curator of the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden.
Origin
Conophytum herreanthus is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Conophytum herreanthus is a dwarf succulent that grows in clumps of bodies that consist of two opposite leaves fused only in the lower quarter. The bodies can reach a diameter of 0.8 inches (2 cm) at the base. The leaves are thick, fleshy, triangular in cross-section, broadening at the base, and taper to a sharp point, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. They are smooth, whitish-green to pinkish, with or without fine spots.
The solitary flowers are diurnal, strongly scented with many white to rose petals, and appear in late fall. They can reach a diameter of up to 1.2 inches (3 cm).
Subspecies of Conophytum herreanthus
- Conophytum herreanthus subsp. herreanthus
- Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum herreanthus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Most Conophytums require bright light but avoid excessive direct sunlight. To prevent sunburn, place them in a position that receives a few hours of full sun during cooler periods of the day.
These plants thrive best in a porous growing medium that will drain quickly. Use a commercial succulent soil mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.
When Conophytums go dormant in the spring, they require little or no water. When plants begin growing in the fall, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again.
Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer if repotted every two years. It is best to feed at the beginning of the growth period and just before flowering.
These succulents will benefit from repotting. Depending on the pot size and growth rate, they typically require repotting every 2 to 4 years. The best time to repot a Conophytum is at the beginning of the growing season.
Conophytums are easy to propagate by division. They can also be grown from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Links
- Back to genus Conophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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