Rock Garden Society

Hutt News, Volume 13, Issue 21, 1 November 1939, Page 2

Rock Garden Society

MONTHLY LETTER—OCTOBER, 1989. THE SUCCULENT GARDEN Part 3 (Continued). Mesembrianthemum (family Aizoaceae, Africa). —This family is rich in species and no mention need be made here of common types found in many gardens. Some have very showy and beautiful flowers in white, pink, red, orange and mauve. In the light of later scientific knowledge, many plants previously classified under this general designation have now been re-classified under sub-species, depending largely on special characterisations of flower, fruit and form. The generic name "Mesembrianthemum" is now only retained for a comparatively small group. Let us pass on to the uncommon sub-species: Acrodon )Cape Province). —Two species known to date. (A) Bellidiflorous, rosettes low, spreading, crowded, leaves erect, triangular, recurved, edges horny and slightly toothed. Daisy-like flowers on two inch stalks, winte peals with central pink stripes. Pretty and an unusual colour for this group, where yellow predominates.

Dor otheanthus (Livingstone daisy).—Mixed annual. In closing this letter we suggest that until the rockery is full up spare spaces be planted with this annual succulent. The leaves glisten like hoar frost in the sun, and a most gorgeous show of mixed bicoloured flowers will arrest attention in full sun. Part 4. Some people become sufficiently interested in "suculent" plants to want to learn more about them. To such folks we can recommend two good books on this special subject: "Succulent Plants," by H. Jacobsen, curator, Bontanlcal Gardens, Kiel, Germany, translated by Vera Higgins, M.A. Two hundred and seventy-seven illustrations. "Succulents other than Cacti,' by A. J. Van Laren, curator, Botanical Gardens, Amsterdam, Holland, translated by E. J. Labarre, edited by Scott H. Kaselton, U.S.A.

These books can be obtained through a well-known book firm. Suculent plants from entirely different species, and found on opposite sides of the world, often appear so alike in form as to be very deceptive until they flower. This is called "convergence," and shows that under similar climatic conditions, nature follows the same laws of adaptation in order that plants may survive in arid regions, (A) Euphorbia, from Africa, may look like a cactus from America. An aloe from Africa may look like an agave from America. Adaptations are many and varied. For instance, in parts of Abyssinia, where it is too l hot for bees, nature produces the carrion flowers and blowflies do the pollinating. These flowers are interesting "star-fish" shapes, and the petals are covered in hairs like the skin of an animal. Twice a day they throw off a slight putrid odour to attract flies. In spite of the odour they are pretty and quite interesting. These belong to the "Stapella," "Heurnia," "Duvalia," and "Pestinaria," etc., species. "Stapelia Variegata" grows well in a warm dry spot and has very peculiar flowers, lemon-yellow "star-fish" with brown dots or lines; in the centre stands out a "motor-car wheel" complete with "tyres and' spokes." In South Africa some plants imitate stones and lumps of rock as a natural protection, and yet flower beautifully in season. In Luderitz Bay the yearly rainfall is lin. to

lin., and yet plants survive. Soil temperature at mid-day may be 120 degrees to 140 degrees F. or more. Air temperature lOOdeg. F., falling to 32deg. F. at night. Day humidity only 10 to 20 per cent., at night heavy dew. This is practically the only source of moisture, -jome succulents are covered with vescicular hairs through which the moisture (dew) is drawn into the plant. Others have seasile, closely adpressed leaves which open to receive moisture and close tightly again to conserve it when the sun is hot. Many have a thick cuticle or epidermis, with reduced stomata or pores in order to reduce transpiration. Unlike normal plants, succulents breathe largely trirough their roots, hence the absolute necessity for an "open" porous soil with no stagnant moisture to suffocate them.

"Farinoßa," or powder, of white, blue, purple or amethyst shades protects the leaves of some types, and is quite beautiful. The hotter

the sun the more farinosa will form. A lovely example is Graptopetalum Amethystinum, slow growing, sub shrub, with very thick leaves and star-shaped flowers. Hardy in a hot, dry spot. We will now continue the listing of good species:— Aridaria (Mesemb., sub-species continued). —South Africa. (A) Splendens, freely branched, prostrate shrub forming large cusions; leaves sylindrical, papillose, recurved at tips, flowers terminal, creamy white with many stamens. Growing well outside at Wadestown, Wellington. Bergeranthus (Cape Province). (B) Verpertinus. Flowers toward evening, leaves flat on top, keeled below, relieved, triangular, grey-green with darker dots; grows in small crowded clumps. (B) Multiceps. Similar to above but smaller leaves. Flowers yellow. Carruanthus (Namaqualand). (C) Caninus. Forming clumps, very succulent, leaves "canoe" shaped, toothed, grey-green to pink. Flowers on 4in. stalks, yellow, outside reddish. Requires dry position, full sun and sheltered from frost. Faucaria (South Africa). —Similar "canoe" shaped leaves and toothed "jaws." Fairly hardy in a warm, dry spot. Small clumps; recommended. (A) Albidens. —Bosscheana, Brittenae .Felina, Tigrina, Tigrina Superba, Tuberculosa. These an have golden yellow flowers. Tigrina is the hardiest. Glottiphyllum (South Africa. — Low. prostrate, very succulent plants which are growing wel- in a very dry spot in Wellington. If you are troubled with snails or slugs, these are like fruit salad to them! Try one or two first. Easily grown, free flowering in sun; recommended. (G) Depressum.—Nelii, Neilii, Peirsii, Herreii, Linguiform, Praepngue, Marlothii. Herora (South Africa). —Prolific nocturnal flowers, several on a stalk. (H) Granulata. Spreading, prostrate clumps, leaves keeled, expanded tips, very rough or granulated with transparent dots. Hardy and interesting little plants. Yenow flowers, fine petals, spreading somewhat like a thistle. (H) Nelii (Stanleyii). Sickleshaped leaves. Hymenocylus.—Hardy and grows well in very dry spots. (H) Croceus, Prostrate, spreading plant, bright lemon yellow flowers, with reel to purple tinge under petals. Loves full sun; recommended. As your experience of succulents grows, do not be disappointed or surprised if you send for a plant, only to find that you have already got it under another name, xjiere

are some synonymous names; later scientific listing, and unfortunately also, plants incorrectly named by well-meaning, but non-expert "specialists." It is all in the fun of this particular hobby. To make up small "succculent" bowls as prizes at a party has been found to be very popular. Your friends take them home to a sunny window and then get the "bug" for these things and start off in a bigger wajr in their garden.