Anacampseros rufescens

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Botanical Name

Anacampseros rufescens

Family

Portulacaceae - The purslane family.

Pronunciation

an-ak-KAM-ser-os roo-FES-enz

Common Name(s)

Afrikaans: Boesmansuring

USA: Sand Rose

Plant Group

Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.

Plant Size

Very Small

Tree 3m to 4m

Shrub 25cm to 50cm

Perennial/ground cover Up to 10cm

Bulb 10cm to 20cm

Succulent Up to 5cm

Position

Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Tender A plant that will not survive any frost or low winter temperatures.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

Anacampseros rufescens is a small, perennial succulent plant with olive green, narrow, pointed leaves arranged in a spiraling rosette. In shaded or partially shaded positions the leaves are olive green in colour while in sunlight the leaves are a dark reddish-brown to purple. As the plant matures and produces more rosettes, it spreads outwards to form a small mat and develops a thick caudex-like base from which smaller roots serve to anchor it into the soil. The plant seeds itself freely - take a close look at the second picture above where tiny self-sown seedlings are growing. The numerous, white, flake-like seeds are held in a dry, parchment-like holder of the same shape as the flower buds. Anacampseros rufescens is able to tolerate low rainfall and extreme variations in temperature.

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Flowers

Description

five, broad petals surrounding a cluster of stamens, held singly or in groups on fleshy stems of about 15 cm in length

Season

Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

pink

Growth Rate

Slow Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.

Distribution and Habitat

in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, on rocky slopes, exposed short scrub and on barren or sparsely vegetated flats, in gravelly soil or among rocks

Planting Suggestions

Plant Anacampseros rufescens in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil The plants should be well watered and then allowed to dry thoroughly before watering again. During winter, restrict water to only enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling. Anacampseros rufescens can be propagated easily from stem cuttings by division of established plants or from fresh seed. Allow stem cuttings to dry out for a day or two before planting. Sow seed in well drained soil, cover only enough to prevent the seed from blowing away and water with a light spray. Keep slightly moist.

Medicinal Uses

No data found.

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Author: Lorraine Solomon