Titanopsis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Titanopsis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Titanopsis calcarea in cultivation | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Subfamily: | Ruschioideae |
| Tribe: | Ruschieae |
| Genus: | Titanopsis Schwantes |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Verrucifera N.E.Br. | |
Titanopsis is a genus of about four species[1] of succulent plants of the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia.
The name Titanopsis is derived from the Greek (god), Titan, the sun, and opsis, appearance, from the sun-like appearance of the flower.[2]
The genus has a disjunct distribution, occurring in three separate areas of southern Africa: southern Namibia, the region around the south-eastern border of Namibia and a larger area spanning between the former Cape Province and Orange Free State in South Africa. This unusual distribution means that the different Titanopsis species live in different rainfall systems—either summer or winter rainfall depending on the species.[1][3]
Description
Titanopsis succulents are small plants, often found growing low to the ground with a thick root system that branches out six to ten times.
The plant itself is often hidden by its own leaves, which grows in clusters of four to eight, forming a rosette pattern. These leaves have a truncate tip and rough warty little tubercles at the apex of the leaves. When fully grown, the leaves range from 20–25 mm (0.79–0.98 in) long.
The tips of the leaves have been noted to resemble limestone, allowing the plant to blend into its surroundings in its natural rocky habitat.
In the fall, the plant produces one to three yellow flowers with a 2 cm (0.79 in) diameter. These flowers lack any extra bracts[4]
