Glottiphyllum cruciatum
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| Glottiphyllum cruciatum | |
|---|---|
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| Glottiphyllum cruciatum can form dense mats | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Glottiphyllum |
| Species: | G. cruciatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Glottiphyllum cruciatum | |
Glottiphyllum cruciatum is a rare species of succulent plant, of the family Aizoaceae. It is indigenous to arid areas near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, South Africa. The plant has many synonyms including Glottiphyllum angustum.[2]
This species has upturned, fleshy leaves that are broadened at the base, and born in pairs. The two leaves in a leaf-pair are a very similar size, unlike many other species of Glottiphyllum. The leaf-pairs grow in a decussate arrangement (each leaf-pair at right angles to the previous one, rather than all in the same two distichous rows).
The stems spread horizontally along the ground and the plant eventually can form large mats.
The seed capsules have very high tops, and their stalks disintegrate quickly after the seeds have been released. This species most resembles its close relative, Glottiphyllum surrectum, which is found further to the west, in the western Little Karoo.[3]
