Titanopsis
Template:Short description Template:Automatic taxobox
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]
Distribution
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 Script error: No such module "convert". 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 Script error: No such module "convert". diameter. These flowers lack any extra bracts[4]
Species
Plants of the World Online accepts the following species:[1]
| Image | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| File:Titanopsis calcarea.jpg | Titanopsis calcarea (Marloth) SchwantesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | South Africa |
| File:Titanopsis hugo-schlechteri flower.jpg | Titanopsis hugo-schlechteri (Template:Ill) Dinter & SchwantesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Namibia & South Africa |
| File:Titanopsis primosii.jpg | Titanopsis primosii L.Bolus ex S.A.HammerScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | South Africa |
| File:Titanopsis schwantesii KDNBG.jpg | Titanopsis schwantesii (Dinter ex Schwantes) SchwantesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Namibia & South Africa |
Cultivation
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Cultivation is easy with full sun, very well-drained soil, and attention to the natural rainfall of the particular species' habitat.
The more popular species from the eastern areas, such as Titanopsis calcarea, fulleri and luederitzii are adapted to summer rainfall, while those from further west, rarer species such as Titanopsis schwantesii and hugo-schlecteri, are adapted to winter rainfall, when they also flower.
The plants are calcicole (they appreciate calcareous soils), but any typical loose succulent soil mix is suitable. Division of larger clumps is possible in some cases, but as most species have tuberous rootstocks and offset slowly, seed production is the most common method of propagation.
References
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