Glottiphyllum regium explained

Glottiphyllum regium is a rare species of succulent plant, in the family Aizoaceae. It is known locally as "koeispene" ("cow-nipples" in the Afrikaans language). It is restricted to a small arid area near Calitzdorp in the Western Cape, South Africa.[1] [2]

Description

This is the largest species of its genus, with leaves over in length. The leaves are bright green, upturned, fleshy and are born in pairs. The two leaves in a leaf-pair are a very similar size, unlike many other species of Glottiphyllum. The leaf-pairs grow in a decussate arrangement (each leaf-pair at right angles to the previous one, rather than all in the same two distichous rows). The leaf also does not have a swollen base (unlike Glottiphyllum cruciatum). The seed capsules are soft and spongy, with high rims.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://pza.sanbi.org/glottiphyllum-regium Glottiphyllum regium - PlantZAfrica.com SANBI
  2. http://www.vetplant.co.za/2017/10/04/plant-of-the-month-oct-2017/ Glottiphyllum regium - Vetplant
  3. Heidrun E.K. Hartmann, Horst Gölling: A monograph on the genus Glottiphyllum (Mesembryanthema, Aizoaceae). In: Bradleya. No. 11, 1993, p.40