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Gibbaeum geminum SB647 Koeniekuil, Little Karoo, South
Cape Province, South Africa
Heavy bloomer, the flowers are numerous and produced more readily
than in many other species.
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A large cluster. |
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Family: Mesebrianthemaceae (Aizoaceae)
Scientific name: Gibbaeum
geminum N.E.Br. & N.E.Br.
Origin: Little Karoo desert in South Africa
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Description: Perennial
clumping, mat forming succulent shrublet. Up to 5 cm tall and 20 (or
more) cm wide. Although it has very small heads, this species spreads
into large grey-green carpets.
Stem: Forms a very short enlarged trunk with spreading branchlets.
Leaves: Delicate slender fingers-like sharklets (slightly
keeled) small grey-green and
pubescent. 2-5 mm wide and 8-20 mm long.
Flowers: Daisy-like, pink/ violet up to 10-20 mm in
diameter and long lasting.
Blooming season: Spring. The flowers are produced more readily
than in many other Gibbaeum species.
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Blooms are
pink/violet in
colour in early spring.
It will slowly form a very short enlarged
trunk with spreading branchlets. Cultivation:
Gibbaeums are "winter" growers heading for summer
dormancy and
notoriously difficult to grow because they rot very easily, but G.
geminum, are among the easiest in cultivation, that keep going over the summer
too and don’t’ need particular care. They require little water; otherwise
theyr epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). Water minimally in
summer, only when the plants starts shrivelling. Water more abundantly
when they are growing in the fall and spring. Requires good drainage.
Keep cool and shaded in summer, need full sun or light shade. They will
take a light frost (Hardy to -5°C) if they are in dry soil.
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings
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