Bergeranthus multiceps Seeds - Indigenous South African Succulent Mesemb - NEW

Bergeranthus is a small genus of mesembs, naturally occurring in the southern parts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between Graaff-Reinet and Port Elizabeth in the west and East London and Queenstown in the east. They are named after the botanist Alwin Berger. The name literally means Berger's flower. The Bergeranthus genus is placed in the Aizoaceae family and members of the genus are distinguished by their triangular, smooth leaves and branching clusters of yellow sweetly scented flowers that open any time during the year.

The flowers open in the late afternoon and only close by midnight. They also have thick rootstocks (caudex), which, when planted slightly above soil level, give the plant a bonsai-like appearance. They look great in rockeries but are also well suited to However in rockeries, when given free root-run, they will flower profusely all summer. Though they are summer growers, the plants require regular watering.

They are also prone to red spider mites if kept too dry during winter. Propagation is easy from seed which germinate readily. It can also be propagated from stem cuttings.

Bergeranthus multiceps is found on the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province of Southern Africa, growing in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with some rain during spring and autumn. The underground caudex will grow up to four centimetres in diameter while the above ground parts of the plant will grow up to eight centimetres in height. The flowers are abundant and bright yellow.