Anacampseros arachnoides

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Botanical Name

Anacampseros arachnoides

Family

Portulacaceae - The purslane family.

Pronunciation

a-nuh-KAMP-suh-ros a-rak-NOY-deez

Common Name(s)

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

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 arachnoides is a small succulent plant with green, reddish or dark brown, broad, thickened leaves ending in a point. The leaves and parts of the plant may be smooth or covered with fuzzy hairs. Groups of leaves are held in rosettes which lengthen with age. The plant spreads outwards to form a mat. Flowers are unexpectedly showy for such a small plant and only open in the sun for a few hours during the afternoon. They seed profusely and the small, papery, white seeds are distributed by wind.

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Flowers

Description

flat, wheel-shaped flowers with five elongated, pointed petals about 2.5 cm in diameter

Season

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

Colour

white
pink
mauve

Growth Rate

Moderate 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.
Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
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 Western and Eastern Cape provinces, in the Little and Great Karoo, in rock crevices, stony soil, among grasses and in the protection of scrubby shrubs

Planting Suggestions

Plant in very well drained sandy, gritty, stony or loam soil in a sunny, airy spot or in a container that receives plenty of sunlight. Water during during the warmer months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and reduce water during the cooler months. Protect from frost and icy weather. If the plants are too wet they will rot. Remove all rotted pieces so that you have only healthy stems. Allow to dry for a day or two and place the remaining parts on a dry sandy surface. Water only occasionally. The plant should root over time. Propagate from cuttings or seed. Seeds germinate easily just by being left on the ground around the plant or in a pot/tray containing a sandy soil mixture.

Medicinal Uses

No data found.

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Author: Lorraine Solomon