Scientific Name
Conophytum marginatum subsp. haramoepense (L.Bolus) S.A.Hammer
Synonym(s)
Conophytum haramoepense, Conophytum marginatum var. haramoepense, Conophytum marginatum var. karamoepense, Ophthalmophyllum haramoepense
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Origin
This subspecies is native to South Africa. It occurs in shaded cracks and crevices on quartz in Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Conophytum marginatum subsp. haramoepense is a dwarf succulent with long-cylindrical or pear-shaped bodies, convex at the apex, and usually bilobate. It can be distinguished from Conophytum marginatum var. marginatum by the body apex with no keels present. The bodies are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, and consist of two opposite, partially fused leaves. They are smooth or finely papillate, greyish-green or chalky green to reddish, and heavily spotted with green.
The showy flowers are solitary, daisy-like, with magenta-colored petals, and appear in fall. They usually stay open for a few days. Fruits are 4- to 6-chambered capsules.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most Conophytums need bright light but do not like too much intense sunlight. To avoid sunburn, place them in a position to receive a few hours of full sun in cooler periods of the day.
These plants thrive best in a porous growing medium that will drain quickly. Use commercial succulent soil specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own mix.
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's size and growth rate, they typically need to be repotted every 2 to 4 years. The best time to repot a Conophytum is at the beginning of the growing season.
Conophytums are easily propagated 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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