Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Sout Africa: from Victoria West (Northern Cape) to Laingsburg (Western Cape)
Habitat and ecology: Nama Karoo Chasmatophyllum braunsiiSN|12410]]SN|12410]] is a poorly known species, only three records exist. Specific habitat, local abundance and extent of the range not known.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Chasmatophyllum braunsii
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Chasmatophyllum braunsii SchwantesZ. Sukkulentenk. iii. 279 (1928)Synonymy: 2
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Description: Chasmatophyllum braunsiiSN|12410]]SN|12410]] is a low shrub succulent with 1-2 leaf-pairs per branch.
Stems: Short with internodes invisible.
Leaves: Semiovate, small graniform, covered by white warts up to 7 mm long and 4 mm in diameter.
Flowers: Yellow.
Fruits: Stalked, 5-chambered, c. 3-5 mm in diameter differing from other members in the genus for the valves wings ending in an own. Covering membranes flexible, closing bobies very small,
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Heidrun E.K. Hartmann "Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae A-E" Springer Science & Business Media, 2002
2) Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” CRC Press, 01/Jun/2000
3) Ed Storms “Growing the Mesembs” Tarrant Printing, 1976
4) von Staden, L. 2008. Chasmatophyllum braunsii Schwantes. National Assessment: "Red List of South African" Plants version 2014.1. Accessed on 2014/07/12
Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: K.k. Agrawal Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Chasmatophyllum braunsii Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Winter rest. Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Cultivation and Propagation: Chasmatophyllum braunsiiSN|12410]]SN|12410]] is most active in winter, but in favourable growing conditions it keeps going over the summer too and doesn't need particular care. In cultivation it seems to prefer a fairly dry rest in winter but grows whenever watered. In very dry warm regions these succulents make very impressive out door ground covers. The yellow coloured flowers attract insects when the flowers open.
Growing rate: It is vigorous and quick-growing, speedily forming lateral shoots and low mats.
Soil: Requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot. It can grows outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) It can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.
Fertilization: Feed it once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. It thrives in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Watering: They are not at all delicate and can take some water year-round. Water minimally in winter, only when the plant starts shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in the spring, but let the soil dry between soaking. During summer, they still need some water eventhough they are somewhat dormant. If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. It must have very dry atmosphere.
Light: It needs a bright sunny or light shade exposure in winter, but keep cool and partially shaded in summer.
Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and require a minimum temperature 5°C, but can be cool to cold and dry in the dead of winter. The earlier in the year they are planted, the better the chances for winter survival. True with many of the Mesembryanthemaceae.
Maintenance: Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Uses: This water-wise plant is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame or outdoor in a rockery.
Pests & diseases: Chasmatophyllum braunsiiSN|12410]]SN|12410]] may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the plants every day.
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Sciara Flies: Sciara flies are one of the major problems for seedlings. It is a good practice to mulch your seedlings with a layer of grit, which will strongly discourage the flies.
- Scales, thrips and aphids: This insects are rarely a problem.
- Rot: They appear more susceptible to mould in wetter conditions than most other species in the genus.
Propagation: It is very quick and easy to start from seed or cuttings. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 21°C in spring. To make a cutting twist off a branch with at least a part of roots and permit it to dry out a couple of days, lay it on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. To enhance rooting success use a rooting hormone powder.
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by Valentino Vallicelli
by Valentino Vallicelli