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Products > Trichodiadema mirabile   Trichodiadema mirabile - White Vygie     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Aizoaceae (Ice Plants) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: White Bloomtime: Spring/Summer Fragrant Flowers: Yes Height: <1 foot Width: 2-4 feet Exposure: Full Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Trichodiadema mirabile (White Vygie) - A small low growing succulent subshrub with a woody branching light brown stems holding 1/2 inch long glaucus green cylindrical leaves that are tipped with small bristles that dry to look a bit like a brown spine. From mid-spring through summer appear the 1 inch wide white flowers which some claim or sweetly fragrant (haven't smelled them yet ourselves!). Plant in full sun in soil in a well-drained soil and give little irrigation. Hardy to around 25 °F. Makes a great ground cover that can look like a white carpet when in full bloom in spring. It is native to the southern Great Karoo in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is less commonly grown than its purple flowering cousin Trichodiadema bulbosum, which is often grown in a container with its large succulent roots exposed and commonly called the African Bonsai. The name for the genus comes from Greek 'trix' meaning "hair" and 'diadema' meaning "crown" in reference to the bristle hairs that top each leaf and the specific epithet is the Latin word meaning "wonderful" or " miraculous", presumably for how the plant looks when in full bloom. Our thanks to John Bleck for allowing us to take cuttings from his yard of this charming little mesymb.  This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Trichodiadema mirabile.     [MORE INFO]