Scientific Name
Schwantesia marlothii L. Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Schwantesia
Etymology
The specific epithet "marlothii" (pronounced "mar-LOTH-ee-eye") honors Rudolf Marloth (1855-1931), a German-born South African botanist, pharmacist, and analytical chemist, best known for his work "The Flora of South Africa," published in six volumes over nearly 20 years.
Origin
Schwantesia marlothii is native to South Africa (Northern Namaqualand, west of Pofadder).
Description
Schwantesia marlothii is a small succulent with 3-angled leaves that widen gradually from the base towards the apex and have semi-soft, reddish teeth along the angles. It is a compact branching grower very similar to Schwantesia ruedebuschii. The leaves are lime green or green and can grow up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long.
The flowers are scentless, yellow, and open in fall, from around mid-afternoon to sundown.
How to Grow and Care for Schwantesia marlothii
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, which 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 survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the 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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