Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br.

국표에 없다.

Origin and Habitat: Namaqualand to Montagu through to Aberdeen.
Habitat: Grow in quartz patches under bushes, where they get good sunlight for at least part of the day.
Ecology: They are insect pollinated. Seed dispersal occurs during rain events by means of hygrochastic fruit capsules that open when wet allowing seed to escape.

Description: It is a short-lived (with a life span of approximately 3 to 5 years. ) perennial climbing or creeping mesemb. It has characteristic persistent leaf veins that remain on the plant. When the leaves dry out they become “scheletonised”, hence the name Sceletium. The species is readily distinguishable by the imbricate leaves with incurved tips.
Stem: The slender branches become thick and only slightly woody with age.
Leaves: Imbricated with recurved tips and 3 to 5 major veins.
Flowers: Shortly pedicellate (almost sessile) about 20 to 30 mm diameter. Petals are white to pale yellow, pale salmon or pale pink. The calyx has four or five sepals.
Fruit: Hygrochastic ( That open when wet ) 10 to 15 mm in diameter.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures:
1) S. M Walters “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: Casuarinaceae to Aristolochiaceae” Cambridge University Press, 1989
2) H. E. K. Hartmann "Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae F-Z" Springer, 2002

 

Sceletium tortuosum (llifle.com)

https://youtu.be/6KN4WZgeNUU?t=3413