Aloinopsis schooneesii Seeds - Indigenous Succulent Mesemb - Worldwide Shipping, NEW

The genus Aloinopsis is relatively small and occurs mostly in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa, extending slightly into the southern part of the Northern Cape Province. One species is found in the north-eastern corner of the Northern Cape Province. Rainfall is sparse throughout the range. The genus Aloinopsis is a group of South African Indigenous mesembs that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. The genus name means “similar to aloe”. Aloinopsis plants have a rather large tuberous root system, called a caudex, and are occasionally cultivated for the look of the caudex which can form the most unusual shapes. They also tend to grow more rosettes when they are raised. Many species have rough-surfaced, spoon-shaped leaves that grow in small rosettes. The roots are thick and the flowers are often striped with red. Aloinopsis are sometimes confused with Titanopsis, but the genus Titanopsis lack striped flowers. Aloinopsis are popular among collectors.

Aloinopsis schooneesii is a low growing multi-branching, mat-forming mesemb that will eventually form a large caudex in time. It has thick small knob-like dark blue-green leaves that are finely warty and textured and form low rosettes. During summer the rosettes bear beautiful silky yellowish bronze flowers with a red midline stripe. The beautiful fragrant honey scented flowers open in the afternoon and close at sunset. Aloinopsis schooneesii has a gorgeous, tuberous root system and when it is potted up in a container, the plant can be progressively raised over the ground so that some of the roots can be seen and is especially cultivated for their looks. Architecturally it is a real stunner. When the "caudex" shape of the raised roots is adequately in evidence this plant is incomparable. They also tend to grow more "heads" when they are raised.