Scientific Name
Glottiphyllum longum (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Tongue-leaf Plant, Gumby Plant
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum linguiforme subsp. longum, Mesembryanthemum longum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Glottiphyllum
Description
Glottiphyllum longum is a small succulent with long, distinctively strap-shaped leaves with rounded margins. The leaves may be mildly curved or upturned at the tips, but they are not hooked.
The flowers and fruits appear on stalks and remain on the plant for a long time. The seed capsules have nine or more locules and persist on the stem for many years. This succulent is sometimes confused with the similarly widespread Glottiphyllum depressum. However, the flowers and fruits of Glottiphyllum depressum do not have long stalks and are, therefore, held closely against the stem.
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 simple: well-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. However, 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
Glottiphyllum longum is native to South Africa (Western Cape and Eastern Cape).
Links
- Back to genus Glottiphyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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