Scientific Name
Tanquana hilmarii (L.Bolus) H.Hartmann & Liede
Synonym(s)
Pleiospilos hilmarii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Tanquana
Origin
Tanquana hilmarii is native to South Africa.
Description
Tanquana hilmarii is a dwarf succulent with bodies consisting of a pair of opposite plump leaves. It usually grows solitary but, in cultivation, often forms a clump. This species is the smallest of the genus, and its bodies can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall. The leaves are smooth and soft to the touch. They can be gray-green, reddish-brown, or purple and have tiny dots.
The flowers are yellow and appear from the fissure between the leaves in fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly 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 a 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 Tanquana
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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