Rhinephyllum muirii

Scientific Name

Rhinephyllum muirii N. E. Br.

Synonym(s)

Neorhine pillansii

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Rhinephyllum

Origin

This species is native to South Africa. It grows in quartz fields and shales in Little Karoo in the Western Cape province.

Description

Rhinephyllum muirii is a small succulent that forms dense clumps of many shoots on a fleshy caudex. Leaves are inclined, green with small whitish tubercles in the upper half, and margins and keel with a white cartilaginous edge. They are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.

Flowers are solitary, sweetly scented, and yellowish and appear on up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long pedicels in spring and summer and open at night. They are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (-1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

The basics of Mesemb care are very simple, with 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.

Mesembs 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 autumn as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.

Because different genera within the Mesemb family have different growing conditions, care must be taken with watering. Some genera will benefit from a light water spray to prevent shriveling during their dormant period.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.

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