Synonyms:

The name “Conophytum uviforme” has many synonyms. Here are the main ones listed below:

Conophytum clarum
Conophytum colorans
Conophytum framesii
Conophytum franciscii
Conophytum hillii
Conophytum julii
Conophytum littoral
Conophytum meleagris
Conophytum pardivisum
Conophytum praeparvum
Conophytum prolongatum
Conophytum rooipanense
Conophytum stipitatum
Conophytum vanrhynsdorpense
Mesembryanthemum uviforme

Habitat:

Conophytum uviforme is native to South Africa.

Description:

Conophytum uviforme is an adorable dwarf succulent belonging to the Aizoaceae family.

This plant reaches a maximum height of 4 centimeters. In its natural habitat it forms a mat of globular and bilobate globose stems like tubercles which grows in all directions. Each tubercle is actually formed by two leaves fused together, light green-grayish and sprinkled with blackish spots.

Actually C. uviforme resembles a pile of pebbles. According to its name, “uviforme”, it also resembles a bunch of grapes: perhaps more for the arrangement of the tubercles, very close together almost to form a bunch, rather than for their color which is very different from that of the grapes.

As in other Conophytum, also in C, uviform, the flowers are much larger and more evident than the rest of the plant. They are pale yellow and star-shaped and have many linear petals. Flowering occurs in Autumn and the flowers sprout from the small slit in the center of the tubercles.

Cultivation:

Cultivation of Conophytums is not so hard. Since they are from the southern hemisphere, their vegetative period 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 also C. uviforme, 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 uviforme 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 done through suckers, which the plant produces 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.