Scientific Name
Ruschia lineolata Schwantes
Common Names
Carpet of Stars
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum lineolatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Ruschia
Description
Ruschia lineolata is a mat-forming succulent with thin red stems that bear small fleshy 3-angled leaves. It grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and spreads up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide. Leaves are green, narrow, and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. They are held in opposite pairs, perpendicular to the previous pair in a neat crisscross manner, with new leaves emerging like small, pursed lips. In early spring, appear in mass white flowers with a distinct magenta-pink midstripe. Flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. From a distance, they appear pink, but on close inspection, flowers are attractively candy-striped. There can also be a second lighter flowering in fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Ruschias are popular for use in the garden. Their tolerance of drought makes them ideal water-wise plants in the arid and semi-arid parts of the world. Brilliant seasonal color displays can be achieved by mass planting in large areas and using many different growth forms.
There are tufted, round-shaped plants, which are well suited for containers and flower boxes. The low-growing and spreading species cover well and will do wonders to terraces, embankments and will easily stabilize loose sand. Then there are the bigger, more robust types that are best used among larger plants or in combination with other succulents in rock gardens and mixed beds.
Remember that Ruschias are short-lived, and it is essential to continue replanting every three years. As mentioned before, all species attract a host of insects, and they are thus ideal subjects to attract wildlife to the garden throughout the year.
Once rooted or germinated, cuttings and seedlings can be fed with organic fertilizers to enhance vigor and health. There are not many serious pests that attack Ruschia. It is probably better to first use biological control when pests are detected.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Ruschia.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Ruschia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
