Antimima TURNERIANA

Antimima TURNERIANA - Turner's antimima, Antimima turneriana.

'Living Stones' seed series.

The genus Antimima of the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) contains about one hundred species. They were previously attributed to the genus Ruschia, but were later segregated into a distinct genus. Antimimas grow in South Africa, in various regions of the Cape Province of the RSA. Each species has a separate, strictly limited distribution range. In these regions, precipitation falls only in winter, approximately 50-70 mm (2-2.8 in) per year, while summer is very hot (up to 40 °C (104 °F)) and dry. Therefore, local plants have adapted to these harsh conditions, which determined their appearance.

These are dwarf plants with a creeping or very short stem. Some species resemble 'living stones' and form a pair of thick, nearly spherical leaves. Many species are grown in indoor culture. The appearance of small plants of the genus Antimima in pots can resemble a miniature tree grown in the bonsai style.

The leaves are succulent, fleshy, often with sparse teeth along the edges. They reflect sunlight well, which helps lower the overall temperature of the plant during heat. Flowers in antimima are rather large, bright, with a silky sheen, red, purple, pink, violet, or white.

Antimima turneriana are very small, succulent, groundcover shrubs up to 5 cm (2 in) in height, forming a compact cushion with tightly pressed leaves up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) long and charming small flowers with a pale center. The leaves are blue-green and fleshy; flowers are deep pink to lilac.

Seeds are sown on the surface, 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). Sprouts need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

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During the growth period (in winter), the succulent should receive a large amount of sunlight; it is best to place the plant on a southern exposure. It tolerates high summer temperatures well, up to 40 °C (104 °F). In winter, rather high temperature levels around 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) should also be maintained; however, it tolerates light frost for a short period of time if kept in dry soil.

The dormancy period in antimima occurs in summer and watering at this time is almost completely reduced; with the onset of growth, the plant must be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out. It can be sprayed from time to time and fed with fertilizers once a month. Antimima grows comparatively easily and is undemanding. The plant is very susceptible to rot and can easily perish due to overwatering.

Good drainage is required, as the plant is prone to root rot. It can grow outdoors in sunny, dry crevices during the warm period of the year. Even a rather poor mixture of pumice, coarse river sand, and humus is suitable. Before growth begins in late autumn, if necessary, the succulent can be transplanted into sod soil with clay and sand. It propagates readily by seeds; they germinate quickly, although not all seedlings survive; antimima is also propagated by dividing the clump.