Imitaria MUIRII

Imitaria MUIRII - Gibbaeum NEBROWNII, Muir's imitaria, Gibbaeum nebrownii.

Seed series 'Living Stones'.

The genus Gibbaeum of the family Aizoaceae has about 20 species of highly succulent plants inhabiting the Little Karoo desert (Cape Province of South Africa). A plant with one or two pairs of leaves on each short stem forms small clusters. Gibbaeum has a well-developed root system, so it is grown in pots with a depth of at least 7 cm (2.8 in).

The leaves of gibbaeums are quite diverse in shape and resemble a shark's snout, the bow of a canoe, or a parrot's beak, which gave rise to such local names as "ostrich toes", "parrot's beak", "baby's bottom", and "fish mouth". The leaves in each pair are of unequal sizes, which is reflected in the generic name of the plants, which comes from the Latin gibba - "hump". In some species of gibbaeums, the surface of the leaves is covered with hairs, which can be either short or quite long. Leaf length varies from 1 to 10 cm (0.4 to 4 in).

Their flowers are quite beautiful, being white, pink, purple, or lilac; violet ones can appear extremely rarely. It blooms in winter. Flower diameter is from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in). The flowers open at midday and close at dusk. Unlike many other "living stones", the dormant period of gibbaeum falls in June-August, and the growing season begins in autumn.

Gibbaeum nebrownii is one of the typical representatives of the genus. The leaves are trihedral, smooth, with brownish windows.

Seeds are sown superficially, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of crops must be avoided.

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Gibbaeum needs strong illumination in winter and summer. The soil should consist of equal parts turf soil, leaf mold, and sand. In summer, it is kept without watering. During the growth period, provide light soil moistening and 1-2 feedings with cactus fertilizer at a concentration 2-4 times lower than the standard rate. Watering begins only in autumn, but the soil should still be only slightly moist.

The dormant period falls in June-August; the growth period begins in autumn. Bright illumination is required. For good development, it is desirable to maintain a temperature of 17-18 °C (63-64 °F) year-round, and in winter at least 15 °C (59 °F). Flowering occurs in autumn or spring. Propagated by seeds.