Scientific Name
Drosanthemum floribundum (Haw.) Schwant.
Common Name(s)
Magic Carpet, Pale Dewplant, Purple Carpet, Rodondo Creeper, Rosea Ice Plant, Showy Dewflower
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum floribundum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Drosanthemum
Origin
Drosanthemum floribundum is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, often near the sea.
Description
Drosanthemum floribundum is a mat-forming succulent with prostrate stems that bear small, pale green, nearly cylindrical leaves with crystalline papillae. The stems are slightly woody and form adventitious roots at older nodes upon contact with soil. Leaves are thick, fleshy, and slightly thickened at the apex. They are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.12 inches (0.25 cm) in diameter.
From late spring into early summer, the foliage is covered with a profusion of fragrant magenta flowers with a white center. The flowers are solitary, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and appear on short stalks. They usually open about midday and close in the evenings. On dull, cool days, they remain closed. Fruits are 5-locular capsules on erect stalks.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The basics of Mesemb care are simple, with free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
Mesembs require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
Because different genera within the Mesemb family have different growing conditions, care must be taken with watering. Some genera will benefit from a light spray of water to prevent shriveling during their dormant period.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Drosanthemum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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