Cheiridopsis umbrosa

Cheiridopsis umbrosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Aizoaceae
Genus:	Cheiridopsis
Species:	C. umbrosa
Binomial name
Cheiridopsis umbrosa S.A.Hammer & Desmet

Cheiridopsis umbrosa is a succulent plant from South Africa.

Description

This succulent subshrub becomes loosely clumped with age. It grows to be 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) tall, with a diameter of 5–8 cm (2.0–3.1 in). The leaves are a pale greenish grey, but they start to tuen red by early summer and eventually die off, regrowing in the next rainy season. ^[1]

Long-stalked solitary flowers are present in August and September. ^[2] They are yellow in colour and produce a 10-locular fruit. ^[1]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Northern Cape of South Africa from Khurisberg to the east of Concordia. ^[3] It is most frequently found growing on damp, shaded gneiss crevices, although it can also rarely be found growing on exposed quartzite. ^[2]

Conservation

Cheiridopsis umbrosa is considered to be of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. ^[3]

References

1. e-Flora of South Africa. v1.36. 2022. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.36
2. Snijman, D.A. (2013). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region, Vol. 2: the Extra Cape flora (PDF). Strelitzia. John Manning, Peter Goldblatt. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute. ISBN   978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC   866860203.
3. Kamundi, D.A. (2005). "Cheiridopsis umbrosa S.A.Hammer & Desmet. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1". SANBI Red List of South African Plants. Retrieved 2 February 2023.