Glottiphyllum cruciatum

    Glottiphyllum cruciatum
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Ivan Lätti

    Glottiphyllum cruciatum is a sprawling leaf succulent no taller than 15 cm, although its stems spread, becoming 50 cm long. The generic name means leaf resembling a uvula. The specific epithet means in the form of a cross.

    The succulent leaf pairs are finger-like, erect and triangular in cross-section. The leaf surfaces are shiny, hairless and bright green.

    The petals recurve slightly a little before the rounded tips. Blooming occurs in winter.

    The species distribution is restricted to a few sites in the Little Karoo between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp.

    The habitat is shrubveld in gravelly and sandy loam soils (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Van Jaarsveld, et al, 2006; Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist; Wikimedia; http://redlist.sanbi.org).

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