Bergeranthus vespertinus Seeds - Indigenous South African Succulent Mesemb - NEW

Bergeranthus is a small genus of mesembs, indigenous to South Africa and 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 pot culture.

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 vespertinus is a clumped succulent that branches from its base. It has simple leaves which are arranged alternately along the stems and sweetly scented brilliant yellow flowers on long stalks. It is usually found growing in drier areas as in the rain shelter of rocks etc. Bergeranthus vespertinus can withstand temperatures down to -6.6°C. Synonyms for this species include Bergeranthus jamesii, Bergeranthus longisepalus and Mesembryanthemum vespertinum.