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Cheiridopsis pillansis
illuminated from behind |
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Description: Cheridopsis pillansii is a
small cushion forming and low growing leaf succulent.
Stems: Very short with only 2 or 4 leaves.
Leaves: Pale grey, fat, succulent with rounded ends and many dark
dots (translucent in backlight) each up
to
4,5 cm long. The new leaves are shaped like a pair of cupped hands and
appear from within the old leaf pair fissure which gives the impression
of the plant having sets of alternate
appressed leaves. Leaves are
smooth
Flowers: Large, scented, up to 6 cm in diameter, usually
yellow, but also pinkish or orange in colour.
Blooming season: Autumn.
Note: The Cheiridopsis
is dormant in summer. |
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Family: Mesebrianthemaceae (Aizoaceae) |
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Scientific name:
Cheiridopsis pillansii L.Bolus
Origin: Little Namaqualand, , Northern Cape, South
Africa
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES appendix 2.
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Cultivation:
The
Cheiridopsis is easy to grow. These plants grow in winter rainareas
and
head for dormancy in summer. Requires little water, otherwise its
epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). Regular
water in autumn through to spring. Water minimally in
summer, only when the plant starts shrivelling but it
will generally
grow even in summer if given water. Requires good
drainage. Keep cool and shaded in summer, needs full sun or light shade.
Hardy to -2°C
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings
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Cultivation
and Mail Sale 