Oophytum NANUM

Oophytum NANUM - Oophytum nanum.

"Living stones" seed series.

Oophytum is a genus of very small herbaceous succulents in the family Aizoaceae, closely related to the genus Conophytum. The genus contains only 2 species: Oophytum NANUM and Oophytum OVIFORME, though some sources include Oophytum NORDENSTAMII in the genus, which is merely a synonym of OVIFORME. Their habitat is restricted to the southern part of Namaqualand, near the town of Vanrhynsdorp.

The stem is completely undeveloped, and the entire body is formed by a fused pair of leaves ranging from globose to ovoid in shape, 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire, fresh green in color, and with a finely papillose surface. The lower half is almost always covered by the remains of old leaves. They form shoots and dense clumps quite often. All flowers are actinomorphic, bisexual, solitary, white, pink, or a combination of both shades with a white center, and about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter. The sepals are fused into a remarkable fleshy tube. The fruits are simple-type capsules with membranous ribs and 5-6 locules.

Oophytum nanum has spherical leaves about 0.7 cm (0.3 in) in diameter and pinkish-white flowers 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter.

For sowing, a shallow container is chosen (clay saucers work well). Drainage is placed at the bottom. On top is a layer of soil made of clayey-sod soil, leaf mold, coarse sand, and crushed brick (1:1:2:1). The substrate must be permeable to water. A little slaked lime or clay can be added, as well as superphosphate (1 tablespoon per bucket of prepared soil).

Seeds are sown on the surface, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of sowings must be avoided. Some believe that the seeds of this oophytum are slow to germinate.

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Oophytums are relatively easy to grow. They grow during the winter rainfall season and remain dormant during the summer. They are cultivated in the same way as Lithops.

The growth period in the Northern Hemisphere is from September to March. During this time, a small amount of water is required for watering, otherwise damage to the epidermis will occur (leading to unsightly scars). Minimal watering in summer (only light misting if the plant begins to shrivel), but if they receive enough moisture, growth can continue even in summer. Regular watering should be provided in winter after the previous year's leaves dry out. Good drainage is required.

Direct sunlight should be avoided and shading provided; during dormancy, the plant should be kept in a cool place. The plant is resistant to temperature drops down to -2 °C (28 °F). Good ventilation is necessary. It should not be repotted too often; the plant can remain in the same pot for many years. Moreover, plants grown in large containers often flower worse. It is best if plants grow in individual small pots.

One of the secrets of successful cultivation is understanding their cycles of growth and dormancy. They are winter-growing plants - they begin growing in late summer and early autumn, at a time when most species are in bloom, and grow most actively in late autumn and winter. The plants enter dormancy in early spring as days become longer and temperatures rise.