Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense is endemic to the Northern Cape province of South Africa, where it is only found in a single location with a restricted geographic range. This subspecies of Conophytum lithopsoides was first described by Louisa Bolus in 1964 in the "Journal of South African Botany (volume 30)," as a separate species named Conophytum koubergense.
Scientific Name
Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense (L.Bolus) S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Conophytum koubergense
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "koubergense" (pronounced "KOO-berg-en-see") means "of or from Kouberg". It refers to the type locality of this subspecies, which is Kouberg, a hill in Kamiesberg, Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape Province.
Origin
Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense is native to South Africa. It occurs in small, grit-filled troughs or shaded crevices on quartzite hills at altitudes of 3,280 to 3,940 feet (1,000 to 1,200 m).
Description
Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense is a dwarf succulent that forms dense clumps of bodies consisting of two thick, fleshy, almost entirely fused leaves. The bodies are cylindrical, ranging from convex to slightly bilobate, and have a large window at the tip. Typically, the bodies grow to a height of up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) and a diameter of 0.5 inches (1.2 cm). The color of the bodies can vary from chocolate brown to rusty brown, ochre, or yellowish-green, and they may have occasional wart-like clusters of prominent cells.
In the fall, Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense produces showy, long-tubed flowers with magenta-colored petals that have a white base and filaments that form a ring of yellow to cinnabar. The flowers are diurnal, meaning they open during the daytime.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense
Light: This plant thrives in bright light but should be protected from intense direct sunlight. To avoid sunburn, place it in an area that receives a few hours of full sun during the cooler parts of the day.
Soil: Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense requires porous soil that allows water to drain away quickly for optimum growth. You can use a commercial potting mix designed for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate high temperatures but is not frost-hardy. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10b-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 35°F to 50°F (1.7°C to 10°C).
Watering: Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense requires little to no water during its dormancy from spring to summer. When it begins to grow again in the fall, it is safe to water it deeply. However, ensure that the soil dries out between waterings. If the leaves begin to wrinkle during the active growth, it may indicate that the plant needs additional water.
Fertilizing: This plant is a light feeder and does not need fertilizer if repotted every two years.
Repotting: The best time to repot this plant is at the beginning of the growing season; however, repotting can also be done at any point during active growth.
Propagation: Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense is usually propagated from seeds, but can also be easily propagated by division. The ideal time to divide the plant is before it starts to break dormancy or after flowering.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Toxicity of Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense
Conophytum lithopsoides subsp. koubergense is considered non-toxic, making it safe to grow around children and pets.
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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