Scientific Name
Trichodiadema barbatum Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Pickle Plant
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum barbatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Trichodiadema
Origin
Trichodiadema barbatum is native to South Africa. It grows in well-drained rocky soil in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
Description
Trichodiadema barbatum is a slow-growing succulent shrublet with a tuberous root and branches that bear green leaves with a diadem of whitish bristles at the tips. It can grow up to 0.8 inches (20 cm) tall. The branches are initially erect but become procumbent as they grow. The leaves are subcylindrical, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) in diameter.
The solitary flowers are mauve, magenta, or red with a yellow center and appear from later winter to mid-spring. They can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and open fully around midday when grown in bright light or full sun. The fruits are five-locular capsules.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 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 Trichodiadema
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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