Adromischus maculatus explained

Adromischus maculatus, the spotted adromischus or calico hearts, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, which is endemic to the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa.[1]

Growing to 35cm (14inches), it is a mat-forming succulent perennial, with thick spade-shaped leaves growing from a short, prostrate, woody stem. Plants are variable in colouring. Some are plain green, while others have leaves which are covered in maroon or brown blotches - hence the Latin specific epithet maculatus, meaning "spotted".[2] In summer (December-January), tubular green inflorescences are borne on NaNcm (-2,147,483,648inches) long branches, with pink or white lobes.

Adromischus maculatus grows on the sunny, sandstone slopes of South Africa's Langeberg Mountains.[1] It is widely cultivated, but does not tolerate prolonged frost, so in temperate regions is usually grown indoors as a houseplant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Adromischus maculatus . South African National Biodiversity Institute . PlantZAfrica.com . 7 March 2020.
  2. Book: Harrison, Lorraine . RHS Latin for Gardeners . 2012 . Mitchell Beazley . United Kingdom . 184533731X .
  3. Web site: Adromischus maculatus. www.rhs.org . Royal Horticultural Society . 27 February 2020.
  4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . November 2018 . 3 . Royal Horticultural Society . www.rhs.org . 27 February 2020.