Family: Aizoaceae

These clump-forming, succulent perennials all have yellow, summer flowers. superficially they resemble the related Lampranthus species as well as Mesembryanthenum species, known as ice plants.

Species

R. dolabriforme, from Cape Province, becomes shrubby with age. The stems are woody and the grass green leaves are wedge-shaped, with a two-lobed tip dotted with trans-parent spots. The flowers are about 4 cm (1½ in) across. A white-flowered form, which blooms over many months, lids been developed.

R. neli is similar to R. dolabriforme, but the two-lobed leaves are not wedge-shaped. They are greyish green, with very small, darker coloured spots.

R. rhomboideum has a very different leaf formation. It forms a loose rosette of smooth, dark greyish green leaves, spotted in white, which are quite flat on the upper surface. The golden yellow flowers, 3 cm (about 1 in) across, are tinged with red.

Cultivation

Where frosts occur, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, or as a house plant. Grow in pots of proprietary cactus compost. Provide maximum light and a dry atmosphere. Water sparingly in the growing season, but keep dry in winter. Propagate from seed sown in spring germinated at 21°C (70°F), or from rooted offsets, in spring or summer.

Climate

Zone 10.