Synonyms:

Anacampseros dinteri
Portulaca dinteri
Anacampseros neglecta
Anacampseros omaruruensis
Anacampseros ombonensis
Anacampseros quinaria var. schmidtii
Anacampseros schmidtii
Anacampseros wischkonii
Anacampseros wischkonii var. levis

Habitat:

Avonia dinteri is native to Namibia where the plant grows on the sunny slopes in tropical and subtropical climates. The succulent thrives in rocky, sandy soils in environment characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures.

Description:

Avonia dinteri is a dwarf succulent belonging to the Portulacaceae botanical family. The plant forms a dense mat of erect and cylindrical stem that can reach up to 5 cm in height. The leaves are tiny and are hidden by the modified stipules which serve to protect the plant from the intense sunlight and reduce water loss. The papery stipules are silver green, triangular, pointed at the apex and resemble the scales on a snake’s tail. The stems grow in a spiral pattern, which further adds to the plant’s intricate look. Avonia dinteri has shallow roots but can withstand the drought thanks to his caudex. The caudex is a modified root which can store water during the drought period, it is woody, large, tuber-shaped and can reach from 5 to 10 cm in diameter. Blooming lasts a few hours only and occurs during the vegetative period. The flowers, borne at the tip of the stems, are small, short-lived, self-fertile, white to pale purple.

Cultivation:

Avonias grow very slowly and require careful cultivation. The plant needs a full sunlight exposure but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light during the hottest periods. The plant does not like temperatures below -5°C so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The soil should be mixed with pumice, clay and loam to allow for drainage and prevent root rot, as the plant is prone to it. Remember to use a perforated pot to drain excess water. Watering can be done in spring and summer: during the vegetative period you can water the plant sparingly, checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again. In winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. If you want a faster and lusher growth, you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with specific fertilizers for succulents; stop fertilizing throughout the winter. If the pot becomes too small for the plant, you can repot it in a pot that is 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Avonia dinteri is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs or root rot. Regular inspection and maintaining proper watering practices can help prevent these issues.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by cutting or by seed. When propagating through cuttings, make the cut during the spring and then let the cutting dry. After a few days, the cut surface will dry, and a callus will form. Place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil, and pumice. To increase the success of propagation, you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings, it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20°C. Propagation by seed is a simple method to propagate the plant. Simply sow the seeds in sandy loam soil and keep them in an environment with a high level of humidity and at a temperature of 14°C.

Curiosity:

In their native area, the Avonia roots were dried and then used to produce beer, honey and bread. Despite its delicate appearance, Avonia dinteri is remarkably hardy and can survive in extreme conditions.

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