Scientific Name
Conophytum wittebergense de Boer
Accepted Scientific Name
Conophytum minimum (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "wittebergense" (pronounced "WIT-eh-ber-JEN-see") means "of or from Witteberg" and refers to the Witteberg, a South African mountain range just off the south-west corner of Lesotho.
Origin
Conophytum wittebergense is native to South Africa. It is not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Conophytum minimum.
Description
Conophytum wittebergense is a dwarf succulent that forms loose mats or domes of glabrous to finely papillate leaf bodies attractively marked with red spots and streaks at the upper surface. The bodies consist of two thick, fleshy, almost entirely fused leaves with a depressed central fissure at the apex. They are elliptical in outline and can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) tall and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The flowers are nocturnal, highly scented, white, pale yellow, or pale pink, and appear from the fissure in fall. The fruits are 4- or 5-locular capsules that contain many tiny, dark, hard seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum wittebergense
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Most Conophytums need bright light but do not like too much intense sunlight. To avoid sunburn, place them in a position that receives a few hours of full sun during cooler parts 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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