Adromischus rupicola

Synonyms:

Adromischus maculatus
Cotyledon maculatus
Adromiscus trigynus

Habitat:

This plant’s habitat is apparently restricted to the Langeberg Mountains from near Worcester to north of George; found usually associated with rock outcrops on higher slopes, usually in False Fynbos. Rarely found in the Cape province.

Description:

Adromischus rupicola is a little plant composed of a little rosette of few flat leaves, more of less 10 centimeters high. It has short and prostrate stems. The root is a large tuber. Leaves are almost round, flat, gray green, with red-brown spots. The flowering period is in December-January. Flowers are yellow-green, with 2.5-5 mm long lobes. They are attached to a 20-30 centimeters long stem (the botanical name for this inflorescence is “thyrse”).

Cultivation:

Adromischus rupicola needs a well-drained soil. It can survive at a minimum temperature of 5° C (Until -7°C for small periods!). You should water it during it growing period (spring and summer): in its natural habitat, actually, it receives rain mostly in spring. In winter leave the soil dry. Adromischus rupicola doesn’t like humidity: she must have a very dry atmosphere.

Propagation:

They are propagated from single leaves, using the tecnique of the leaf cutting. After twisting of a leaf, leave it to dry for a couple of days, then lay it on the soil. The original leaf should not be remove before drying up. You should water it during the process of rooting.

Curiosity:

The name ” Adromischus” comes from the ancient Greek adros (=thick) and mischos (=stem).