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Family: Mesebrianthemaceae (Aizoaceae)
Scientific name: Conophytum cordatum Schick &
Tischer 1927
Taxonomy:
BILOBA GROUP
Origin: It is found in the western part of South
Africa
Habitat: Growing in a well drained
soil with some water in winter and some sun.
Synonyms:
-
Conophytum bilobum,
(Marloth) Nicholas Edward Brown 1922
-
Mesembryanthemum bilobum Marloth
1907
- Conophytum cordatum Schick &
Tischer 1927.
- Conophytum auctum forma forma auctum
N.E.Br.
- Conophytum gregale N.E.Br.
- Conophytum curtum L.Bolus
- Conophytum incurvum var. incurvum
N.E.Br.
- Conophytum absimile L.Bolus
var. major L.Bolus
Notes: Plants of the genus
Conophytum are also known as 'living pebbles'. During
the rest period (the summer months in Europe) a new body forms inside
the old, gradually taking all the substances from it until all that
remains is the skin, which dries and protects the young plant from the
heat of the sun and excess evaporation of water. The resting Conophytum
protected by this dry cover resembles a pebble and hence the name
'living pebble'. The growth period of most species is from August to
March. The temperature should be about 10 to 12°C.

Cultivation: All the forms
of C. bilobum are easy to grow. These plants grow on
winter rain and head for summer dormancy. They require little water;
otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). Water
minimally in summer, (only when the plant starts shrivelling), but it
will generally grow even in summer if given water. Water regularly in
winter after the previous year's leaves have dried up. Requires good
drainage. Keep cool and shaded in summer, it needs full sun or light
shade. Hardy to -2°C. Ensure a very good ventilation. Avoid to repot
frequently. This plant may stay in the same pot for many years.
Propagation: It can be
reproduced both by cuttings and seeds. Take the cutting from a grown-up
mother plant. Each
cutting must contain one or more heads along with
a fraction of root.
Photo of conspecific
taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of to
the Conophytum bilobum
complex (This
Taxon has lots of synonyms ( like
many other Conophytum) whit several controversial varieties and
subspecies and comprises a multitude of different forms, but where each
form is linked to others by populations of plants with intermediate
characteristics):


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