Ruschia lineolataSchwantes

Carpet of Stars

Mesembryanthemum lineolatum

Ruschia lineolata (Carpet of Stars)

Photo viafloramalaga.blogspot.com

Family : AizoaceaeSubfamily : RuschioideaeTribe : RuschieaeGenus : Ruschia

Ruschia lineolatais a mat - forming succulent shrublet with reddish , much - branched stem that gestate blueish - dark-green , minute , pointed leave . It can uprise up to 6 column inch ( 15 cm ) tall . The smooth , heavy leaves are held in opposite pairs , at a proper angle to the one above and below it , with the new leaf emerging like small , pursed lips . They are triangular in cross - section and can get to 0.6 inches ( 1.5 cm ) in duration and 0.2 inch ( 0.5 centimeter ) in width .

From late winter to former spring , the plant produces flowers with numerous narrow-minded , white petals with a distinct Battle of Magenta - pinkish midstripe and a cone - shaped clump of stamens and staminodes in the centre . There can also be a second lighter flowering in fall . The flush are up to 0.8 inches ( 2 centimetre ) in diameter . The fruit are capsules with five locules .

Ruschia lineolatais aboriginal toSouth Africa . It originate on shale ridges of juiceless creek bed and flaxen or loamy soil in chaparral south of the Langeberg Mountains from Caledon to Humansdorp .

The specific name " lineolata(lin - ee - Ohio - LAY - ta ) " means " cross out ( longitudinally ) with fine argumentation ; lineolate " and refer to the line that occur along the center of each petal .

USDA hardiness zone9a to 11b : from 20 ° F ( −6.7 ° C ) to 50 ° F ( +10 ° coulomb ) .

Ruschias are popular for habit in the garden . Their drought tolerance make them idealistic water - saucy plant in the arid and semi - arid parts of the globe . Brilliant seasonal colouring material display can be achieved by hatful planting in magnanimous areas and using many different growth contour .

There are tufted , around - shaped flora well suited for container and flower box . The low - growing and spreading species cover well , will do wonder to terraces and embankments , and will well stabilize loose grit . Then there are the bigger , more robust types best used among larger plant or meld with other succulent in rock gardens andmixed beds .

Remember thatRuschias are short - hold out , and it is all important to continue replanting every three years . As note before , all species draw in a host of worm and are thus idealistic theme to attract wildlife to the garden throughout the class .

Once rooted or shoot , cutting and seedlings can be fertilize with constitutional fertilizers to enhance vigor and wellness . There are not many seriouspeststhat attackRuschia . It is plausibly honorable to first utilize biological control when pestilence are discover .

See more atHow to get and Care for Ruschia .

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