Scientific Name
Schwantesia loeschiana Tisch.
Synonym(s)
Schwantesia herrei f. major
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Schwantesia
Etymology
The specific epithet "loeschiana" (pronounced "LOESH-ee-AY-nah") honors Alfred Lösch (1865-1946), a German naturalist, teacher, and prolific botanical collector.
Origin
Schwantesia loeschiana is native to Namibia. It occurs south of Lüderitz in the Karas Region.
Description
Schwantesia loeschiana is a small succulent with a very short stem and 2 to 4 pairs of pale grey to dusty green or bluish leaves fused at the base. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and triangular in cross-section, have sharp, often reddish margins, and can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long. The new leaves appear from the fissure between the old leaf pair.
The solitary, yellow flowers can reach a diameter of 2 inches (5 cm) and appear on a short peduncle in fall. The fruits are capsules with low rims and contain tiny seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Schwantesia loeschiana
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Mesembs are primarily 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 how they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care 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 withstand temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Schwantesia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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