Synonyms:

Conophytum candidum
Conophytum corculum
Conophytum extractum
Conophytum globulforme
Conophytum laetum
Conophytum leopardinum
Conophytum longibracteatum
Conophytum ovigerum
Conophytum papillatum

Habitat:

Conophytum meyeri is, like many succulents, native to South Africa. Its small size and its mimetic attitude make it very suitable to hide among the rocks of the semi-desert territories of these areas. In particular, this plant grows at altitudes between 130 and 980 meters above sea level under larger bushes or in cracks in the rocks, among which it prefers formations such as granite and quartzites.

Conophytum meyeri is one of the species which inhabit the variegated Succulent Karoo: a semi-desert region between Namibia and South Africa. Karoo Succulento is the only entirely arid plant biodiversity hotspot and is home to many rare and curious succulent species.

Description:

Conophytum meyeri is a curious succulent dwarf plant which makes all lovers of succulents fall in love.

Conophytum meyeri, like all the other Conophytums, has no leaves, branches or stems as we know them. Instead, this plant is a collection of very small and succulent globular stems, similar to green pebbles, about ten millimeters thick and 5 centimeters high. These small stems are actually leaves fused together to form adorable heart-shaped structures!

The flowers are much more conspicuous than the rest of the plant: bright yellow, star-shaped, scentless, they exceed the diameter of the stem and bloom early in the morning, in Autumn.

Cultivation:

The cultivation tecnique of Conophytum meyeri is not so different from the one of the other Conophytums.

Since they are from the southern hemisphere, the vegetative period of Conophytums goes from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn. Apart from this small fact to keep in mind, they are not very difficult to grow.

All Conophytums, so even C. meyeri , require a very bright position. Direct sunshine is fine, with the exception of the middle hours of summer days. They love heat but can withstand temperatures up to 5°C.

Be extremely careful with watering and make sure that the soil is completely dry before each watering. Conophytum meyeri is a very undemanding plant in terms of soil. You can also use a standard soil for cacti.

Fertilize only at the beginning of summer, with a specific product for succulents. It is important to choose large, shallow pots to give the plant a chance to reproduce spontaneously and to cover the surface.

Propagation:

Propagation is generally done through suckers,  producted by C. meyeri in large quantities. Suckers can be used as cuttings.

Curiosity:

Plants belonging to the genus Conophytum have sedative properties due to some alcaloids present in their tissues.