Scientific Name
Lapidaria margaretae (Schwantes) Dinter & Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum margaretae, Argyroderma margaretae, Dinteranthus margaretae
Common Name(s)
Karoo Rose, Kangaroo Rose
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Lapidaria
Etymology
The generic name "Lapidaria" (pronounced "lap-ih-DAY-ree-uh") means "of stone" and refers to the stone-like appearance of the thick, fleshy leaves of the plants in this genus.
The specific epithet "margaretae" (pronounced "mar-GAR-et-tay") honors Margarethe Friedrich, a German teacher living in the Namibian town of Warmbad, who discovered this species.
Description
Lapidaria margaretae is a beautiful, dwarf succulent that forms rosettes of 2 to 4 pairs of thick, fleshy leaves. As it ages, it can form clumps of up to 3 rosettes. The leaves can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The solitary flowers are yellow, bloom from summer to fall, and open during the day, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Origin
Lapidaria margaretae is native to dry areas in southern Namibia, particularly around Warmbad, and to adjacent Northern Cape areas of South Africa.
How to Grow and Care for Lapidaria margaretae
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 supports plants that are not especially large, and sometimes very small, which affects how they need to be treated in cultivation.
Basic care is simple: free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the challenges are endless: adapting to the Mesembs' adaptability and following 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 survive temperatures down to freezing. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Lapidaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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