Oophytum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Oophytum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Oophytum nanum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Subfamily: | Ruschioideae |
| Tribe: | Ruschieae |
| Genus: | Oophytum N.E.Br.[1][2] |
Oophytum is a genus of succulent plants native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.[3] Both species are endemic to the Knersvlakte. Egg-shaped Oophytum plants develop two leaves opposite each other per season. At the end of winter the outer pair forms a sheath from which the new pair of leaves develop. Water cells are visible on the soft leaves giving them a shimmering appearance. The flowers, produced in winter, are white, pink, or a combination of both.
The genus contains two accepted species:[2]
- Oophytum nanum (Schltr.) L.Bolus
- Oophytum oviforme (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.
