STOMATIUM ALBOROSEUM - 100 BULK SEED PACK - INDIGENOUS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The genus Stomatium is placed in the Mesembryanthemaceae family. Members of this family are commonly referred to as Mesembs and are succulents. The genus name was derived from the Greek word stomation which means open mouth, in reference to the toothed leaf pairs which resemble gaping mouths. The novice succulent admirer will at first be easily confused between Stomatium and Faucaria, yet there are a few distinguishing features to tell them apart. Stomatium flowers are scented and give off a sweet sugary smell whereas Faucaria flowers are unscented. The leaf surfaces of Stomatium species are minutely pimpled, unlike those of species of Faucaria, which are either perfectly smooth, rarely warty or ribbed as is the case with Faucaria tuberculosa.         Stomatium species also typically have smaller leaves than Faucaria species. The plants are summer and should be kept somewhat dry in the winter. They are hardy, tolerating cold and heat and soil conditions ranging from sandy to heavy. Full sun enriches their purplish tints. They are propagated by seed and cuttings. Wow, what an excellent succulent Stomatium alboroseum is! Just six months from seed to flowers! Although virtually all 40 Stomatium species have yellow flowers Stomatium alboroseum bears white flowers that turn pink as they age. They are heavily scented and begin to open at mid-day and closing at sunset. The leaves are covered with tiny bumps. The margins of the leaves are also toothed. Stomatium alboroseum is South African endemic and grows in Bushmanland and the Namaqua highlands. The synonym for this species, Stomatium niveum, also refers to the white flowers. It is easily propagated from seed.