Family: Aizoiaceae
Habitat: South Africa, Cape province
Cultivation: Not so difficult to cultivate, they require full sun and little attention: because of their creeping attitude, they are used as ornamental.
Curiosity: The name “Cephalophyllum” comes from the Greek words, “Cephalos”, which means “head”, and “Phyllon”, leaf, referring to the weird, compact shape of the bushes of its leaves.

KEY FEATURES

The genus “Cephalophyllum” includes several species of little Azoiaceas, widespread in sandy soils of South Africa beaches, from Namibia to Cape Province.
They don’t grow so much: their maximum height is usually 10-20 centimeters. Anyway, maps formed by these little creeping plants can reach 1 meter of diameter. Their stems are short and form long, succulent, rounded, green-blue leaves, typical of the species.
Being very adaptable to different climates and soils, they are often used for ornamental purposes in sea areas.

VARIETY AND TYPES

Here below there are some species of Cephalophyllum: try to check our online shop in the section “Cephalophyllum” to find some of them!

• C. brevifolium
• C. caespitosum
• C. compressum
• C. confusum
• C. conicum
• C. corniculatum
• C. curtophyllum
• C. diversiphyllum
• C. ebracteatum
• C. fulleri
• C. goodii
• C. griseum
• C. hallii
• C. herrei
• C. inaequale
• C. loreum
• C. niveum
• C. numeesense

TIPS FOR GROWING

Here below are our tips for growing Cephalophyllums:

SUN EXPOSURE:
Cephalophyllums need plenty of light to have a heealthy growth process.
TEMPERATURE:
Maintain the temperature above 6-8ºC.
WATERING:
Water abundantly Cephalophyllum every 3-4 days but make sure the soil dries up before each watering.
SUBSTRATE:
Use a well drained and rich in mineral nutrients substrate.
REPOTTING:
Choose large and not so deep pots: your Cheiridopsis won’t become so much tall, but it will need thhe space to expand horizontally.
PROPAGATION:
They can be propagated easily though branch cuttings. Cuttings should be planted in a sandy, humid soil, in a shady spot, until it puts roots.