|
|
[2nd Image]
|
 |
|
|
| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aizoaceae (Ice Plants) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [Mesembryanthemum barbatum] |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
|
|
|
|
Trichodiadema barbatum (Pickle Plant) - A relatively slow growing succulent that is at first erect to 6 to 12 inches and then lays over to become a groundcover with a tuberous root base barely exposed and cylindrical 1/4 to 1/2 inch long succulent green leaves tipped with tufty bristles of soft white hairs. From later winter to mid spring appear the small magenta pink flowers with yellow center that open fully around midday when grown in bright light or full sun. Plant in a well-drained soil where it tolerates full to part day sun - best with some protection when tuberous roots are elevated for display. Water occasionally to very little in spring and summer - with its tuberous roots can be forgiving of infrequent missed watering, even when growing in a container. Hardy to around 25°F or lower for short durations but prolonged subfreezing temperatures are liable to damage caudex if exposed. This very interesting succulent is similar to the more common Trichodiadema bulbosum that is often seen is cactus and succulent collections and shows, but this species has more yellowish tuberous roots that are not as thick, greener foliage and pink flowers instead of the purple of T. bulbosum. As with T. bulbosum, grow plants for a few years with roots buried and then elevate the caudex and place in a nice bonsai container or ornamental pot to display the interesting roots. Trim off top growth only to keep growth tighter so it does not hide the caudex. Though original collection location is unknown and Linnaeus described the plant based on paintings of two slightly different forms listed from "Cape" of South Africa, it is listed by some as coming from East Cape Province and into the Little Karoo in West Cape. The genus name comes from Greek 'trix' meaning "hair" and 'diadema' meaning "crown" in reference to the bristle hairs that top each leaf and the specific epithet means "bearded" or "barbed" in reference to the crown (the diadem) of bristle hairs at the tips of the leaves. Another common name is Bearded Crownfig. Members of this genus are also called "vye veld" as they are valuable in pasture management with the new growth that is browsed back to the persistent base by domestic animals. This plant was awarded the Royal Horticulture Award of Garden Merit in 2012 and the British Cactus and Succlent Society says on their Twitter Page that "Trichodiadema barbatum is a great looking mesemb that should be grown more often."
The information about Trichodiadema barbatum displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
|
| |
|
|
|
