Scientific Name
Gibbaeum heathii (N. E. Br.) L. Bolus
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum heathii, Rimaria heathii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Gibbaeum
Etymology
The specific epithet "heathii" (pronounced "HEETH-ee-eye") honors Francis Harold Rodier Heath (1874-1940), an English cultivator of succulent plants.
Origin
Gibbaeum heathii is native to South Africa.
Description
Gibbaeum heathii is a dwarf succulent that forms clumps of bodies that consist of two thick, fleshy, green to whitish-green leaves closely pressed together. The bodies are subglobose with a definite fissure, and can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
The flowers can be white, cream-colored, or pale pink and appear between the leaves from late winter to early spring. They can reach a diameter of 1.2 inches (3 cm).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are primarily 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, which in turn 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 like 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 withstand temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Gibbaeum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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