Mitrophyllum CLIVORUM

Mitrophyllum CLIVORUM - Mitrophyllum clivorum, Snail mitrophyllum, Mitre plant.

Mitrophyllum is an amazing and little-known succulent in the Ice Plant family (Aizoaceae), native to the stony deserts of Namaqualand (South Africa). The genus owes its name to the unusual shape of its leaves: from the Greek words "mitra" (miter headdress) and "phyllon" (leaf). In nature, these plants grow among quartz screes, adapting to extreme heat and prolonged droughts.

Under 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 closely against each other. After the first rains, they increase their volume very quickly, rupture the outer coverings, and open wide, spreading flat across the ground surface. In some species, they can be up to 10 cm (4 in) long and 2 cm (0.8 in) wide, most often of a narrow-oblong shape. But the metamorphoses do not end there.

The 2nd 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 onset of the dormant period, the leaves dry up, and under the papyrus-like sheaths preserved from them, 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 other 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 structure and possess a strong scent. They bloom from midday to mid-afternoon. In nature, flowering times stretch from February to November.

Mitrophyllum clivorum has leaves whose winter pair fuses only at the base and spreads widely to the sides, while the summer pair is fused more than halfway and positioned vertically. Flowers are bright yellow, 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) in diameter.

Seeds are sown on the surface in moist sand, moistened from 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). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

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In the warm season, ordinary room temperature is suitable; during the winter dormancy period, coolness around 10 °C (50 °F). Mitrophyllum is placed in a sunny spot with direct sunlight 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 period of active growth; the soil must be allowed to dry to half its depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, it should be kept nearly dry. When watering, try not to splash water on the leaves and stems of the plant. Mitrophyllum does not need spraying and easily tolerates dry indoor air. Good air circulation must be provided around the plant while avoiding cold drafts. High air humidity leads to leaf and stem rot and bacterial leaf rot.

A light, porous, well-drained soil is required, consisting of sod soil and leaf mold with the addition of a large amount of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage. Feed monthly with fertilizer for cacti and succulents at half concentration in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped. An excess of nutrients leads to leaf withering.

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 collector's plant that is rarely found for sale. In cultivation, it blooms rarely in summer and only with very good care. Cuttings root with difficulty, so seed propagation remains the most preferred method.