This species is not as easy to grow as some cotyledons, but is one of the most desirable. Its dumpling-like leaves are covered with a thick white powder. This is most prominent when grown “hard” and not watered overhead. The undulate leaf margin is also enhanced under dry conditions. HBG 89167, plants grown from self-pollination of a plant received from the former ISI as “Lavranos 1478”. Although according to Lavranos, this number applies to a stapelia, he mentioned that he has collected the species from the very dry environs of Laingsburg in the Western Cape, S. Africa, where it grows in shale. Unfortunately, it cannot be confirmed that the original clone is from that locality. $10.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 75 (2), March - April, 2003