Scientific Name
Ebracteola wilmaniae (L. Bol.) H.F. Glen
Common Name(s)
Prince Albert Vygie
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum wilmaniae, Ruschia wilmaniae
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Ebracteola
Etymology
The specific epithet "wilmaniae (wil-MAN-ee-ay)" honors Maria Wilman (1867-1957), a South African geologist and botanist.
Origin
Ebracteola wilmaniae is native to South Africa. It occurs across the Northern Cape and North West province, from Zeerust to Prieska.
Description
Ebracteola wilmaniae is a small clumping succulent with a thick rootstock and light grey to bluish leaves arranged in 2 to 6 pairs on each branch. The leaves are thick, fleshy, smooth, and triangular in cross-section. Every year, a few new leaves grow from the rootstock.
The long-lasting flowers are daisy-like and appear in spring and summer, usually solitary or in groups of 2 to 3. They are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and have white to dark purple petals, more intense towards apices, white staminodes and filaments, and yellow anthers. The fruits are 5-locular capsules.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants that are not especially large and sometimes very small and affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. The difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Ebracteola
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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