Scientific Name
Monanthes muralis (Webb ex Bolle) Christ
Synonym(s)
Petrophyes muralis, Sempervivum monanthes var. murale
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Monanthes
Origin
Monanthes muralis is native to the Canary Islands. It grows in rocky crevices in El Hierro and La Palma mountains at elevations ranging from 980 to 2,620 feet (300 to 800 m).
Description
Monanthes muralis is a densely branched succulent shrublet that forms small compact rosettes with dull green or often reddish leaves. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The leaves are obovate, rounded, or somewhat acute and can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide. They are usually hairy in the lower part and have papillae towards the apex.
The flowers are 6- or 7-merous, measuring up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. They consist of a crown of burgundy-tipped free carpels resting on a circle of overlapping pale tannish yellow petals. In early summer, the flowers appear in profusion from the center of the rosettes on pedicels that can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Monanthes are easily grown in even very small pots in any rich, well-drained, rocky soil in a sunny spot. In winter, keep plants drier in full sun and at a minimum of 10° F (10° C). They take up little space in the collection and ask for little attention.
The only things that can kill these plants are cold, hot, blasting the sun, and overwatering. They like a winter's rest and should be kept dry during the winter months. The plant will begin to grow in early spring, and watering should be increased gradually until late spring when it should be in full growth. Water regularly during the growing period so long as the plant pot is allowed to drain and not sit in a water tray.
Monanthes may be attractive to various insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free. Repot it every 2 or 3 years to evaluate the plant's health and provide a larger growing space, being careful not to damage the sensitive roots.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Monanthes.
Links
- Back to genus Monanthes
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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