Anacampseros filamentosa subs. tomentosa

Anacampseros tomentosa is endemic to Northern Namibia, along and north of the Orange River. It grows in steep slopes, among quartz in rock-crevices, in cliffs and riverbeds where is frequently associated with succulent mesembs.

Anacampseros tomentosa is a short columnar succulent, up to 5-10 cm tall. Closely packed leaves cover the few, fleshy branches. Leaves are ovate-globose, dark green, surfaced with thin cobweb-like hairs. This succulent present numerous, withis axillary threads longer than leaves. In summer, A. tomentosa will bloom with an inflorescence up to 8 cm, with 3-5 red-violet flowers.

This slow-growing succulent does well in well-draining rocky or sandy soils. If cultivated in containers, it needs a free draining mineral compost, with little organic matters if cultivated in containers; once a year, it should be repotted to get a healthier and larger-sized plant. During winter, it should be moved indoors, and kept completely dr at 5-10°Cy. From early watering should be increased bit by bit until late spring (when the plant should be in full growth). During summer, it need a regular, copious watering, letting the soil get dry before watering again; anyway, it is important not to wet the plants while it is in sunlight: this could cause burning, scars, fungal infections. During winter, the plant should be forced in a state of semi-dormancy, so keep it dry.

Propagation can be done by stem cuttings or by seeds.

In its natural habitat, Anacampseros tomentosa can perfectly camouflage, and if it is not blooming it gets really difficult to find it.