Scientific Name
Ebracteola wilmaniae (L. Bol.) H.F. Glen
Common Names
Prince Albert Vygie
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum vermeuleniae, Mesembryanthemum wilmaniae, Ruschia wilmaniae
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Ebracteola
Description
Ebracteola wilmaniae is a compact, highly branched succulent with a thickened storage rootstock. It forms a dense mat with age. Leaves are fleshy, smooth, light grey to bluish, and arranged in 2 to 6 pairs in each branch. Every year a few new leaves grow from the central stem. The flowers are daisy-like, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, pure white to dark pink with a white base. They are long-lasting, appear in spring, usually solitary or in groups of 2 to 3.
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 very 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.
Origin
Native to South Africa (Northern Cape Province).
Links
- Back to genus Ebracteola
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
