Conophytum frutescens

Description

Conophytum frutescens is a succulent plant species from the ice herb family (Aizoaceae). The species differs from most other related species due to its size and special flower color. It is a slow growing plant that can grow into loose small shrubs. These shrubs can grow to 3.5 centimeters high and 1.5 centimeters wide. The leaf pairs grow at the ends of the branches. The leaf pairs of this species have a yellowish green, gray green or turquoise mottled epidermis with red tinged edges. The flowers appear earlier than in other species of the genus. Flowering is usually from mid-June to about early July. The flowers can be different shades of orange, ranging to coppery and pink. The fruit is 5 or 6-lobed with very small brown seeds. This species can be propagated by two different methods. Propagation is usually done by sowing. Older mature plants can be propagated by splitting. The species occurs in the western Cape Province in South Africa. It grows there in the Succulent Karoo, where it grows on quartz blocks and slopes, often in sheltered or shady places.