Scientific Name
Smicrostigma viride (Haw.) N.E. Br.
Synonym(s)
Erepsia viridis, Mesembryanthemum viride, Ruschia viridis
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Smicrostigma
Origin
Smicrostigma viride is native to South Africa. It occurs from Worcester in the Western Cape to Uniondale in the Eastern Cape Province.
Description
Smicrostigma viride is a low-growing shrublet with smooth, succulent stems that become woody with age. It can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The leaves are hooked, triangular in cross-section, and fused into pairs at the base to sheath the stem below.
The flowers are usually purple or light pink and appear solitary on the stem tips in spring and summer. They can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are woody capsules that store small, pear-shaped, brown to black, rough-surfaced seeds in 7 to 10 chambers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most Mesembs are 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 the way they need to be treated in cultivation.
The care basics are very 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 the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Smicrostigma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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