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Conophytums -- A Succulent Plant from South Africa

© Diana Pederson

South Africa is the native home for many of the succulent plants collectors worldwide crave. Conophytums are among many plants that have adapted to life in the Southern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. Steve Hammer both the in-depth knowledge and writing style necessary to communicate information about these plants.

Hammer's book, The Genus Conophytum was published by Succulent Plant Publications. 1993. This is a comprehensive book on a singular plant genus. Let's take a look at the information available in The Genus Conophytum.

What Is A Conophytum?

Hammer borrows a definition first offered by N. E. Brown in 1925: "Very small succulent perennials, tufted, rarely single plants, usually stemless, but with a few species developing short stems with age, with the growths crowded into a clump. Roots very short. Each growth consists of a small fleshy body, obconical, globose, ovoid, oblong, or subcylindric in shape, formed of two opposite leaves fused into one body, and convex, flat, depressed, notched or two-lobed at the top, with a small orifice resembling a closed mouth at the center or between the lobes" [page 12] . If you want more information, please read the introduction to the book.

The introduction continues on to provide a detailed description of the roots, fused leaves (body), fissures, sheaths, skin (epidermis), and flowers of Conophytums. Even the fruits are described in detail. Excellent line drawings and photographs accompany the text.

What Are Their Habitat Requirements?

Conophytums are limited to winter rainfall areas of the Cape Province of South Africa. According to Hammer, this plant actually prefers winter wetness and appears to not respond to moisture in the summer season. Most moisture is received as dews or fogs which condense on the cooler rocks where the Conophytums grow. I was surprised to learn that these plants actually require shade. They grow in rock crevices and favor granite or gneiss although they are found growing on feldspar pegmatite and quartzite. You will normally find Conophytums on top of mountain or granite domes where mosses also grow. It is unknown if there is a specific relationship between the two plants.

Do They Grow Well in Pots or as Indoor Plants?

These plants have been growing in Europe for many decades now. They seem to prefer life in a pot providing the media is acidic and their roots are kept cool. It is important that they have cool nights when in active growth. Hammer, in communicating with this reviewer, indicated they flower well under fluorescent lights. Since it is easy to provide the correct media, watering regime, and light levels, these plants appear to be ideal houseplants.

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