Scientific Name
Faucaria tuberculosa (Rolfe) Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Knobby Tiger Jaws, Pebbled Tiger Jaws, Shark's Jaws, Tiger Jaws
Synonym(s)
Faucaria felina subsp. tuberculosa, Mesembryanthemum tuberculosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Faucaria
Etymology
The specific epithet "tuberculosa" (pronounced "too-ber-cu-LO-sa") means "full of swellings, bumps, etc." and refers to the white tubercles on the upper surface of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Faucaria tuberculosa is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Faucaria tuberculosa, also known as Faucaria felina subsp. tuberculosa, is a clump-forming succulent with triangular leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The leaves are dark green with whitish dots and rough, white tubercles scattered over the upper surface. They are edged with soft white teeth and can measure up to 1 inch (2,5 cm) in length and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in width.
The yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from fall to spring and can reach a diameter of up to 1.6 inches (4 cm). They open around noon and close in the late afternoon.
Faucaria tuberculosa is very similar to and often confused with Faucaria tigrina. It can be distinguished by the tubercles on its leaves, which are unique in the genus.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
The various species make excellent pot subjects and have been cultivated in Europe for over 300 years. Some species, such as Faucaria tigrina, are quite hardy, while others can be prone to stem rot.
Faucarias are mostly spring and fall growers. They require good drainage, but with a bit of shade, they will do just fine, even in extreme heat. However, they will stop growing during this period and need water every few days. When they lack water, like many other mesembs, the stems die, and some rosettes are not connected to the roots by any living tissue. When found in time, the rosettes can be used as cuttings and kept in the shade in a barely moist medium until the temperature cools down in the fall.
They bloom for several months in the fall or the beginning of winter. The flowers open around midday and close in the late afternoon. They often don't open if the weather is cloudy or if they are in the shade.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Faucaria.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Faucaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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