Conophytum limpidum (Eye-leaves)

Scientific Name

Conophytum limpidum S.A.Hammer

Common Names

Eye-leaves

Synonyms

Ophthalmophyllum limpidum

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum

Description

Conophytum limpidum is a dwarf succulent with pale green, jade green, or shiny grass-green bodies. The paired leaves are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) tall, spotted at the margin, and with translucent "window" at the tips. The flowers are usually pale to bright pink or white, with yellow stamens and appear in fall.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Conophytums are usually grown in dish gardens where they spread slowly but make good ornamental plants for window gardening. They also do well in rockeries where they can be grown in crevices.

These plants vegetate during the winter season. They must then be kept dry during hot, gradually wet upon fall arrival. The moisture stimulates the release of new root hairs, and the plant will grow for the entire winter season, foliar issuing new pairs from inside the existing ones. Flowering usually occurs in the fall, and the color of the flowers is extremely variable from species to species. The cultivation is quite easy, but care must be taken to avoid excess water and to prevent rot. The plants themselves communicate their water needs with a slight wrinkling of the epidermis. They do not particularly fear the cold weather and can also resist temperatures of 23 °F (-5 °C) as long as the soil is completely dry, and the temperature returns rapidly to rise.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.

Origin

Conophytum limpidum is native to South Africa (Namaqualand).

Links

• Back to genus Conophytum
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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