Eriospermum aphyllum, IB10404

Fig.1 E. aphyllum, IB10404

In flower under the autumn sun.
Remark the corymb-like inflorescence and the glaucous peduncles.

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Comments

Eriospermum aphyllum is the representative species of section Photopedicellatum. The section consists of several species which perform photosynthesis mainly at the peduncle and pedicels. The flower stalk usually persists throughout growing season, even after it scatters seeds and the fruits are gone.
The E. aphyllum, IB10404 plants are smaller and easy flowering. The corymb-like inflorescens is the most remarkable characteristics of the plants. The flowers are also small for the species but look beautiful with greener midnerve on the white petal.

Fig.3 Peduncles and pedicels

The above plants after seed dispersion. These funny structures keep on standing until it gets warm enough.

Fig.4 Cotyledons

The woolly heads are smaller, reflecting the small seed size.

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Cultivation notes

Eriospermum aphyllum plant seems to favor a little more humid condition than ordinary Eriospermums and water should be given before the soil surface gets completely dry. It is not recommended to pot any part of the tuber exposed on the soil for the same reason.

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Information of the plant

Subgenus Ligulatum
Section Photopedicellatum
Scientific name Eriospermum aphyllum Marloth
Collection No. IB10404
Locality Gifberg
Growing seasonwinter

Haworthias

Though Haworthias are from only arid areas in South Africa, they are one of the most popular plants for succulent enthusiasts in the world. They are small but very patient of drought as long as the temperature is moderate.

Haworthias' leaves have a large variety of shapes, markings and textures. Moreover many of them have various patterns of translucent part on the leaves. We can say that variety of Haworthia plants is virtually infinite.
Easiness of Haworthia's cultivation is remarkable yet you should understand that they really hate both damp soil and excessive humidity.

Ornithogalums

Besides 'Star of Bethlehem' some Ornithogalums from southern Africa are marked by interesting foliage. Ornithogalum apertum has many spiral leaves and O. unifoliatum has only one leaf which looks like a pestle or a baseball bat.
They are also easy to grow at cool greenhouse but species with special foliage are rarely offered at the present.

Massonias and their allies

These bulbous plants are very impressive for opposite leaves as well as a brushy umbel of flowers. They form into very small genera of just several species though, the identification and classification are still confusing in horticultural scene.
Massonias are the most popular of all the allies. Especially Massonia pustulata has been already so popular among succulent growers in Japan that it may be considered a common species.
Both Massonias and Polyxenas are comparably easy to grow but we don't know whether Daubenyas are the same or not because we have little experience of them.

Lachenalias

These are well known bulbs which occur in Cape Province. We have little to argue matters about Lachenalias because many other people know more than us. The main flower season is spring yet some species flower earlier in winter, and some other species are said to flower in autumn.

The flowers are showy, beautiful, or cute at least, and often fragrant. Moreover many species have ornamental markings on the leaves. We believe they are one of the best pot plants for window sill in spring.
They are easy plants at cool greenhouse. Propagation is also easy and many nurseries offer Lachenalia bulbs so you can get them easily.

Eriospermums

Eriospermums are perennial, small herbaceous plants with subterranean tubers. They grow in subsaharan Africa and they center in dry areas of Cape Province.
They are famous only among some succulent lovers for the exceptionally unique foliage. For example you are seeing only one leaf of Eriospermum dregei on this image.
Their drought tolerant nature is notable as they can survive without water over an entire growing season. They are generally easy to grow yet the supply is scarce probably due to difficulty of propagation, or due

Bulbines

Bulbines are monocotyledons, usually small herbaceous plants. They grow in dry areas of Africa in main. Their flowers have tufts of hairs and it is the unique feature of the genus.
They seem to consist of a couple of subgroups. One is of evergreen summer growers, bigger and robust. The other is of deciduous winter growers, smaller and sensitive to careless cultivation.
Seen from a succulent lover, their most attractive characteristic should lie in the fat leaves. Adding to this some winter growing species have translucent parts, or 'windows', on the leaves like Haworthias.