Frithia humilis Seeds - Window Plants, Fairy Elephant's Feet - Indigenous Succulent Mesemb

Frithia humilis Seeds

Window Plants, Fairy Elephant's Feet; Bobbejaanvingers, Glasies, Toontjies

This miniature leaf succulent is attractive even when not flowering as the windowed leaves with crenulated markings are showy and unique. This minute plant comprises a cluster of succulent, spirally arranged leaves, windowed at the tips. The windows are just visible above the soil surface and thickened rootstocks are formed underground. Frithia humilis is one of a few mesembs growing exclusively in the summer-rainfall region of South Africa. It is restricted to two provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Interesting to note is that the white flowers of F. humilis turn light pink or yellow once pollination has taken place. It is obviously advantageous if pollinators focus only on the white unpollinated flowers, not wasting energy on flowers already pollinated. Economic and cultural value Frithia humilis makes an attractive potplant and is popular with succulent collectors. Frithia is water tolerant and recent observations during periods of heavy rainfall indicated that, although the plants sometimes become inundated, it is never for long as the water drains away within 24 hours, owing to the porosity of the substrate. It seems that many growers are reluctant to water their plants sufficiently, often with unfortunate results. It is a good idea to add some peat to the potting soil of F. humilis, as the soil in its natural habitat contains large amounts of organic material. Water should be soft as this plant tends to die when given brackish water.