Gibbaeum heathii

Gibbaeum heathii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Gibbaeum
Species: G. heathii
Binomial name
Gibbaeum heathii
L. Bolus

Gibbaeum heathii is a species of succulent plant in the Gibbaeum genus, endemic to South Africa.

Description

This is a small compact succulent, with rounded leaf-pairs that are covered in a fine down. It offsets and eventually can form a large clump. This highly variable species has a large number of different varieties.[1]

Distribution

This species is indigenous to an arid area of the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and specifically around the Little Karoo districts of Montagu, Ladismith and Swellendam.

Here it grows on hot open rocky plains. It favours loam among rocky quartz gravel.[2]

Cultivation

Gibbaeum heathii requires extremely well-drained loamy soil, and some protection from all-day full sun.

It is adapted for a very arid environment, and should receive only occasional water all year round.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gibbaeum heathii.

References