Publication: Gard. Chron. 3, 78: 451 1925
Description
Conophytum angelicae is a small caespitose species with pea-like bodies, forming a dense cluster in age, the sole member of subsection ‘Costifera’ TISCHER. It ‘mimics’ the colour and texture of the silt and quartzite among which it grows; the new bodies resemble the one, the sheaths, the other. Its earth-coloured flowers open only at night, so even these are inconspicuous.
Stem: Almost stemless, internodes invisible.
Body (paired leaves): Less than 18 mm wide and 10 mm tall, cylindric basally, roundish to somewhat four sided apically (or distinctly square in cross section in subs. tetragonum), with slightly convex or truncate/concave apex, dark brown, tan-purplish, fleshy pink or greenish, very rugose, unspotted, glabrous. Sheath whitish, squamous, flaking, persistent, with brown tannin spots.
Flowers: Nocturnal, few petaled, small, narrow and often untidy reddish to brown.
Fruit: The fruit is a 4-8-locular capsule.
Origin and Habitat
Richtersveld, Bushmanland, South Africa and adjacent southern Namibia
Type locality: Eendoorn, Namibia.
Altitude range: 900-1100 metres above sea level.
Habitat: Conophytum angelicae occurs sporadically in quartz patches or granite rocks deeply seated in crevices.
Cultivation and Propagation
They are relatively dificult to grow. These plants grow on winter rain and head for summer dormancy. The growing season in northern hemisphere is from September to March. They require little water; otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). Water minimally in summer, (only occasional misting). Water regularly in winter after the previous year’s leaves have dried up. Require good drainage. They enjoy full sun or half-shade and in summer they need to be kept in a cool area. Hardy to -2°C. Ensure a very good ventilation. Avoid to repot frequently. They may stay in the same pot for many years. Plants grown in larger containers have frequently relatively poor flowers. They might improve when the plants are given their own, small individual pots.
Propagation: They can be reproduced both by cuttings and seeds. Take the cutting from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root.
Notes
Conophytum angelicae was named in honour of Angelika Rusch, wife of Ernst Rusch and a good friend and supporter of Dinter’s.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Heidrun E.K. Hartmann “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae A-E” Springer, 2002
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Gideon Smith u.a. “Mesembs of the World: Illustrated Guide to a Remarkable Succulent Group.” Briza Publications, 1998
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Japan Succulent Society “Colour Encyclopedia of Succulents” Japan Succulent Society January 1, 1981
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Hermann Jacobsen “A handbook of succulent plants: descriptions, synonyms, and cultural details for succulents other than Cactaceae, Volume 1” Blandford Press, 1960
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Werner Rauh “The Wonderful World of Succulents:Cultivation and Description of Selected Succulent Plants Other Than Cacti” Smithsonian Institution Press, 1984
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James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/ago/2011
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Steven A. Hammer “Dumpling and his wife: new views of the genus Conophytum” EAE Creative Colour Ltd., 2002
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Burgoyne, P.M. 2006. Conophytum angelicae (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. subsp. angelicae. National Assessment: “Red List of South African Plants” version 2014.1. Accessed on 2014/07/16
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Association pour l’étude taxonomique de la flore d’Afrique tropicale. Réunion plenière, Hans-Dieter Ihlenfeldt, H. Baijnath “Proceedings of the twelfth Plenary Meeting of AETFAT: Volume 2” Hamburg, September 4-10, 1988, Hubert, 1990
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Gard. Chron., ser. 3 78: 451 1925