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  Conophytum velutinum
(Syn: Conophytum cinereo-viride)
CACTUS ART
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The name Latin name "velutinum" means "velvety" for the fine hoar on the plants bodies.
 

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CONOPHYTUMS: Plants of the genus Conophytum are also known as 'living pebbles'. During the rest period (the summer months in Europe) a new body forms inside the old, gradually taking all the substances from it until all that remains is the skin, which dries and protects the young plant from the heat of the sun and excess evaporation of water. The resting Conophytum protected by this dry cover resembles a pebble and hence the name 'living pebble'. The growth period of most species is from August to March. The temperature should be about 10 to 12°C


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Family: Mesebrianthemaceae (Aizoaceae)

Scientific name:  Conophytum velutinum Schwantes
In: Moll. Deutsche Gärtner- Zeit., vol. 42, p. 139 1927

BILOBA GROUP (
This is another example of a species in the section Biloba with pink flowers)

Origin South Africa (Northern Cape, Little Namaqualand)

Habitat:  Growing in a well drained soil with some water in winter and some sun.

Synonyms:

  • Conophytum cinereo-viride
  • Conophytum craterulum
  • Conophytum tischeri
  • Conophytum velutinum var. craterulum

 

Description: Richly branched species closely relatated to the C. bilobum but with pink-violet blooms. This would appear to be very similar in form and size to C. cordatum.
Bodies: About 1 cm in dieter cordate (heart-shaped) in outline. Greysh-green, velvety or appearance.
Flower: Petals spreading, light violet to magenta.
Blooming season: The flowers are autumnal and diurnal.
 

 


Cultivation: All the forms of C. velutinum are easy to grow. These plants grow on winter rain and head for summer dormancy. They require little water; otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars).  Water minimally in summer, (only when the plant starts shrivelling), but it will generally grow even in summer if given water.  Water regularly in winter after the previous year's leaves have dried up. Requires good drainage.  Keep cool and shaded in summer, it needs full sun or light shade. Hardy to -2°C. Ensure a very good ventilation. Avoid to repot frequently. This plant may stay in the same pot for many years.
Propagation:
It 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.

 

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery CONOPHYTUM

Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art files are now available also in the new the Encyclopaedia of Succulents. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.