Strumaria prolifera

This is one of the most beautiful of all the Strumaria species. The pink funnel shaped flowers appear in umbels towards the end of the autumn but before the leaves are produced. After flowering the strap-like leaves are made and are a very pretty lime-green about 15 cm long by just 1cm wide, they are very thin-textured, almost like rice paper.

This is a rare plant with a very small range - it is only known from south-facing cliff ledges of the Kourkammaberg in Namaqualand. There the plants apparently grow either in vertical rock cracks or on broader ledges where they are said to form clumps. The plants are in shade for most of the day but of course this is in a very hot, dry environment. In cultivation they are not difficult if due care and attention is given to their need for very sharp drainage with an appropriate warm, dry rest in summer.

Photograph © Connall Oosterbroek with permission.