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Malephora purpureo-crocea (Coppery Mesemb) - An evergreen spreading and mat-forming succulent to 8 to 12 inches tall and spreading 4 feet or more with corky to woody stems that root along contact with soil from which emerge the inch long pale gray-green succulent leaves that are semi-cylindrical (slightly triangular in cross section) and often take on a tint of red near the leaf tips. The flowers, which appear nearly year-round, are borne on a short stalks that rise it above the foliage with many narrow petals that are various shades of dark brick-red to reddish purple.
Plant in full to part sun in a well drained soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently - a heat and drought tolerant plant. Listed as hardy to around 15° F. Tolerates alkaline and seashore conditions. It is nice as a large potted specimen and makes a solid drought tolerant groundcover on a slope or well drained level ground in full or part sun where its cheery flowers are attractive to bees and insects but it does not lend itself to areas where there is foot traffic. Though an attractive groundcover this plant has escaped cultivation in some areas and should not be planted near the urban and wildland interface, particularly near any salt marshes or wetland where it may spread unchecked.
Malephora purpureo-crocea is native to The Karoo Desert and Namaqualand in South Africa. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'mal' meaning "arm-hole" or "arm pit" and 'pherein' meaning "to bear", thought to be a reference to the connection attachment between the stem and the opposite leaves that are slightly fused at the base. The specific epithet is Latin referring to the color purple and saffron-yellow in reference to the flower color of some forms of this species. It was previously included as a variety of Malephora crocea and is sometimes confused with the somewhat similar Cephalophyllum stayneri with some online references using pictures of one when describing the other. Cephalophyllum stayneri is lower growing with longer more rounded leaves and slightly larger flowers.
The information displayed on this page about Malephora purpureo-crocea is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
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