Ruschia spinosa

Ruschia spinosa is a mesemb forming part of a genus known for profuse flowering. The plants reach heights around 30 cm, their growth habit spreading to rounded. The stems are whitish with gaps between neatly structured leaf clusters, terminating in a few sharp, light coloured spines, as the name indicates.

The rose pink flowers are small, blooming in spring. They usually only open during daytime and are scented, visited by bees, butterflies and many other insects.

Many South African ruschias occur in the western and central parts of the country in arid conditions, although members of the genus may be adapted to many other habitats.

The R. spinosa distribution is in the Northern Cape, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.

The habitat is Nama Karoo and succulent Karoo. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century (Smith, et al, 1998; www.plantzafrica.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).