Succulents

Reprinted from the Newsletter of the Henry Shaw Cactus & Succulent Society, St Louis. MO. South and Southwest Africa are the home of the genus Titanopsis, with its 8 species of dwarf clump-forming plants. The species have variously colored leaves withrough, fissured, pimply ends, and they form low, clustering rosettes. Yellow flowers are produced in autumn. They grow quickly from seed and require a porous compost and careful watering, being kept dry in the winter and spring resting period. It is a very rewarding succulent and can be cultivated on window sills in the home. Titanopsis also tolerate intense heat and heavy frost. Titanopsis are truly impressive plants, with unique leaves. Being a dwarf, you wont have to devote much space for an impressive representation of the genus. Titanopsis calcarea is the best-known species, with whitish tubercles at the tips of blunt leaves. They are propagated from seed or by division of larger clumps. For a really odd succulent that is sure to be a conversation piece, add a Titanopsis to your collection whether it is in a greenhouse or windowsill.