Mitrophyllum MITRATUM

Mitrophyllum MITRATUM - Mitre succulent, Mitrophyllum mitratum.

Mitrophyllum is a "shamanic" plant from South Africa. The genus name derives from the Greek word "mitra", from the resemblance of the leaves to the headdress of a Catholic bishop. These are shrubs with dimorphic leaves and an unusual life cycle. During the dry season, the plants resemble a kind of strange mushroom, or bizarre attributes of shamanic cults.

Beneath the epidermis of these structures, remaining from the old leaves of the previous growing cycle, flat tongue-shaped leaves gradually form and mature. At first, they are pressed tightly against each other. After the first rains, they increase their volume very quickly, rupture the outer integuments, and open widely, spreading out along the soil surface. In some species they can be up to 10 cm (4 in) long and 2 cm (0.8 in) wide, most commonly narrowly oblong in shape. But the metamorphoses are not finished there.

The second pair of leaves is completely unlike the preceding one. The subsequent pair of leaves is not only shorter, but also fused into a cone-shaped "body". Then, upon the arrival of the dormant period, the leaves dry up, and beneath the papery sheaths preserved from them, the leaves of the next cycle form during the dry period. In a season, the plant forms one pair of leaves of each type. All these features make mitrophyllums very atypical for the plant world.

The leaves of both pairs are rather soft, fresh green, and slightly papillose on the surface. The flowers - white, yellow, or pink, no more than 3 cm (1.2 in) wide - are fairly typical in their structure and possess a strong scent. They bloom from noon to mid-day. In nature, flowering times stretch from February to November.

Mitrophyllum mitratum is a very beautiful species. In the wild, in addition to dwarf forms, richly branched specimens 60 cm (24 in) tall have been found. The leaves are 10 cm (4 in) long and 2 cm (0.8 in) wide. The size of both alternately growing leaf pairs is generally similar, yet their appearance is substantially different. The winter pair is fused only at the base and widely spread apart; the summer pair is fused more than halfway and positioned vertically. Flowers are white, 2.5-3 cm (1.0-1.2 in) in diameter.

Seeds are sown superficially on moist sand, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 25-28 °C (77-82 °F). Sprouts need airing. It is necessary to avoid overwatering and drying out of sowings.

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During warm months, normal room temperature is suitable; in the winter dormant period, coolness of around 10 °C (50 °F) is best. Mitrophyllum is placed in a sunny location with direct sun rays in the morning and evening. On hot summer days, light shading is arranged. It is one of the most unpretentious plants, which is easier to kill with excessive care than with neglect. In summer, it can be placed outdoors under shelter from wind and rain.

Watering is moderate during the active growth period; the soil must be allowed to dry halfway down before each subsequent watering. In winter it should be kept almost dry. When watering, try not to get water on the leaves and stems of the plant. Mitrophyllum does not need misting and easily tolerates the dry air of living quarters. Good air movement around the plant must be provided, while avoiding cold drafts. High air humidity leads to leaf and stem rot and bacterial leaf decay.

A light, porous, well-drained soil is required, consisting of turf soil, leaf humus with the addition of a large amount of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage. It is fed monthly with cactus and succulent fertilizer at half strength in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, feeding stops. Excess nutrients lead to wilting of the leaves.

Mitrophyllum is repotted only when necessary - when the pot becomes clearly too tight for the plant or it needs fresh soil. Repotting is carried out in spring, selecting a small pot - Mitrophyllum prefers slightly cramped conditions for abundant flowering.

A very valuable collectible plant that is rarely found on sale. In cultivation, it blooms rarely in summer and only with very good care. Cuttings root with difficulty, so seed propagation remains most preferred.