Scientific Name
Glottiphyllum carnosum N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Glottiphyllum jordaanianum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Glottiphyllum
Origin
Glottiphyllum carnosum is native to South Africa. It occurs in the arid areas between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.
Description
Glottiphyllum carnosum is a compact succulent subshrub with 3 to 5 decumbent branches and fleshy suberect leaves arranged alternately in two opposite vertical rows. It can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall. The leaves are oval, apically hunched, and can grow up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. They are blue-green to yellow-green leaves with smooth surfaces.
The solitary flowers are yellow and daisy-like and emerge between the leaves in the fall. They can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
This species looks like Glottiphyllum linguiforme but has thicker leaves with hunched tips, and it tends to branch far more.
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 the way they need to be treated in cultivation.
The care basics are very simple: 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.
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 withstand 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 Glottiphyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
