Adromischus filicaulis
Thread-stem plover eggs
Adromischus filicaulis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.A.Sm. is a small perennial succulent native to southwestern and southern South Africa, mainly in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It is characterised by slender, branching stems with fleshy, cylindrical to clavate leaves, often with a grey-green colouring with reddish spots or markings on the adaxial surface. Two recognised subspecies exist: subsp. filicaulis and subsp. marlothii, differing mainly in leaf shape and size.
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© S Molteno
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Adromischus |
| Growth Habit | Perennial herbaceous succulent with slender, erect or decumbent stems and a branching habit |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (SANBI Red List) |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Porous mineral mix with a high fraction of coarse sand and perlite |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Fleshy leaves, cylindrical to slightly clavate, 2–5 cm long and 0.5–1 cm in diameter. Colouring is pale green to grey-green, often with pale red to brown spots or lines on the upper surface. Margins entire and epidermis slightly pruinose.
ecoTubular flowers, white to pale pink, grouped in racemose inflorescences on flowering stems that can reach 20–35 cm in height. Each flower measures approximately 1 cm in length and has five petals fused into a tube.
ecoSlender stems, 2–5 mm in diameter, erect to semi-decumbent, branching from the base and covered with small glandular papillae giving a rough texture to the touch. The base becomes lignified with age.
ecoFibrous root system with somewhat thickened roots that function as water and nutrient storage organs. Rooting depth is moderate, adapted to shallow soils over rock.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Porous mineral mix with a high fraction of coarse sand and perlite
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a 4–6 cm segment of healthy stem with a sterile knife or scissors, below a node.
- 2 Allow the cutting base to dry in a shaded, dry spot for 5–7 days to form a callus.
- 3 Insert the cutting 1–2 cm into dry mineral substrate and place in bright partial shade.
- 4 Begin very light watering after 2 weeks. Roots usually form in 3–5 weeks.
- 1 Detach a whole, healthy leaf from the parent plant with a gentle twisting motion.
- 2 Allow to dry for 3–5 days and place on mineral substrate without burying.
- 3 Mist lightly every 4–5 days until roots and basal plantlets appear.
Respect the summer dormancy period by drastically reducing watering from June to August in the northern hemisphere.
Overwatering in summer, when the slender stems are highly susceptible to rot.
Every 2–3 years in autumn, at the start of the active growing season
Mineral succulent fertiliser diluted to 50%, once a month from October to March. Suspend in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No records of significant toxicity to humans or domestic animals. As a general precaution, avoid ingestion.
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Plant Health
Basal stem rot: especially common in summer with excess water. Slender stems are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include softening and darkening of the stem at the base. Intervene by removing affected material and treating with powdered fungicide.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae): in hot, low-humidity conditions they can colonise the plant, leaving fine webbing between leaves. Treat with a specific acaricide or clean with diluted isopropyl alcohol.
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"The species presents two morphologically distinct subspecies: subsp. filicaulis, with more cylindrical and slender leaves, and subsp. marlothii, with shorter and somewhat broader leaves. The distribution of each subspecies is well documented in SANBI maps."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.