Anacampseros -Sand Rose
Family
Portulacaceae
Origin
South Africa
Environment
Anacampseros grow well in partial sun with bright light enhancing the leaf colours and keeping them compact. They require a gritty free-draining soil with added organic material and low to moderate watering. The beautiful caudiciform species are prone to rot and should be watered very sparingly.
Description
Anacampseros rufescens is a small, perennial succulent plant with olive green, narrow, pointed leaves arranged in a spiraling rosette. Shaded or partially shaded positions the leaves are olive green in colour while in sunlight the leaves are a dark reddish-brown to purple. It has five, broad petals surrounding a cluster of stamens, held singly or in groups on fleshy stems of about 15 cm in length. As the plant matures and produces more rosettes, it spreads outwards to form a small mat and develops a thick caudex-like base from which smaller roots serve to anchor it into the soil. The plant seeds itself freely. The numerous, white, flake-like seeds are held in a dry, parchment-like holder of the same shape as the flower buds.
Anacampseros rufescens can be propagated easily from stem cuttings by division of established plants or from fresh seed. Allow stem cuttings to dry out for a day or two before planting. Sow seed in well-drained soil, cover only enough to prevent the seed from blowing away and water with a light spray. Keep slightly moist.
Landscape Use
Suitable for Container, Rock Garden & Xeriscaping
