Scientific Name
Monilaria obconica Ihlenf. & Joergens.
Common Name(s)
Bunny Ear Succulent, Bunny-Ear Pearlfig, Bunny Succulent
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Genus: Monilaria
Description
Monilaria obconica is a small, sparsely branched succulent shrub with fleshy, green leaves flushed red in full sun. The first leaf pair is nearly spherical and can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, while the second leaf pair can grow up to 4 inches (4 cm) long and 0.5 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
The plant produces solitary flowers in summer, usually white or suffused with pink or red. The flowers are about 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter and appear on pedicels that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. The fruits are usually 5-locular or sometimes 6-locular capsules.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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: 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 survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Origin
Monilaria obconica is native to South Africa (Richtersveld and Namaqualand).
Links
- Back to genus Monilaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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