Scientific Name
Glottiphyllum surrectum (Haw.) L.Bolus
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum surrectum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Glottiphyllum
Origin
Glottiphyllum surrectum is native to the arid areas of Little Karoo in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Description
Glottiphyllum surrectum is a succulent subshrub with short branches and erect, slender leaves with slightly pointed tips. The branches have three pairs of leaves arranged crosswise. The leaves are bright green but turn dark or deep red in full sun. They can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long.
In the fall, the yellow flowers appear on short stalks. The fruits are woody capsules with eight or fewer locules.
Glottiphyllum surrectum is very similar to its close relative Glottiphyllum cruciatum.
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 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 also 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.
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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