Scientific Name
Ruschia uncinata Schwantes
Common Names
Doringvygie
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum uncinatum, Mesembryanthemum uncinellum, Ruschia uncinella
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Ruschia
Description
Ruschia uncinata is a mat-forming, winter-growing succulent up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall and spreading several feet wide, with interesting, leafless, gray-green, rounded stems that have small opposite pointed nodes that alternate 90 degrees from one set to the next ever up to 1 inch (2.5 cm). In spring it produces 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) wide, pinkish-purple flowers that have petals that radiate outwards along the edge but are erect in the middle of the flower, surrounding the reproductive parts, in what is often described as a crown.
Photo via jardin-de-garrigue.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 by 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, which are best used among other larger plants or in combination with other succulents in rock gardens and mixed beds.
Remember that Ruschias are short lived and it is therefore essential to continue replanting every 3 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
Native to South Africa and Namibia.
Links
- Back to genus Ruschia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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