Adromischus herrei
Herr's plover eggs
Adromischus herrei (W.F.Barker) Poelln. is a small, unusually shaped succulent native to the Namaqualand and Karoo regions of South Africa. It is currently treated in most modern classifications as Adromischus marianiae subsp. herrei, although it retains recognition as a distinct taxonomic entity in specialised collections. Its leaves are highly distinctive: strongly convex, with a tuberculate surface and colouration ranging from dark green with reddish spots to intense grey-green, depending on environmental conditions.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© stephen boisvert
CC BY 2.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Adromischus |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent or subcaulescent perennial herbaceous succulent with a dense basal rosette |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient / Least Concern (SANBI Red List) |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Very porous mineral mix, analogous to the quartzitic native substrate of Namaqualand |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Very fleshy leaves, conspicuously convex on the adaxial surface, obovate to elliptic, 2.5–5 cm long and 1.5–3 cm wide. The surface has prominent tubercles or warts giving a distinctive rough texture. Colouration ranges from dark green to grey-green with spots, mottling or bands of red, brown or maroon, especially under high irradiance conditions.
ecoTubular flowers, white to pinkish-white, on erect flowering stems up to 25 cm tall. The floral tube is narrow with five reflexed lobes. Flowering occurs in spring, generally from August to October in the southern hemisphere.
ecoVery short stem, nearly non-existent in young plants, becoming thick and woody at the base with age. Leaves are inserted in a very tight spiral, forming a dense, compact rosette. The plant can spontaneously produce basal offsets.
ecoFleshy root system with thick, succulent roots acting as water and nutrient storage organs, a key adaptation to the arid environments of Namaqualand. Roots are sensitive to rot from excess moisture.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very porous mineral mix, analogous to the quartzitic native substrate of Namaqualand
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Very carefully remove a mature, complete leaf with a gentle twist to preserve the complete basal tissue.
- 2 Allow to dry in a warm, dry spot for 5–8 days until the cut forms a firm callus.
- 3 Place the leaf on very porous mineral substrate (70% mineral, 30% organic) without burying it.
- 4 Place in bright partial shade at 20–25 °C. Mist the base lightly once a week.
- 5 Plantlets emerge from the base in 4–8 weeks. Transplant individually when they reach 1 cm.
- 1 Separate basal offsets when they are at least 1.5–2 cm in diameter, using a sterilised knife.
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 5–7 days and plant in dry mineral substrate in a small pot.
- 3 Begin minimal watering after 10–14 days to stimulate root development.
This species benefits from a very strict summer dormancy: suspend watering completely from May to September in the northern hemisphere.
Watering during summer dormancy, an error that almost invariably leads to crown rot.
Every 2–3 years in autumn, just before the start of the growth period
Very diluted succulent fertiliser (25% of recommended dose), once a month from October to February. This species prefers nutrient-poor substrates; excess nutrients cause irregular growth.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxicity data for humans or domestic animals. Avoid ingestion as a general precaution.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Crown and root rot: this species is particularly sensitive to fungal rot at the crown zone during warm, humid months. Any summer watering can be fatal. Prevent with ultra-porous substrate and placement in maximum ventilation.
Root mealybugs (Rhizoecus spp.): colonise the roots without visible symptoms until an advanced stage. Inspect the root system when repotting. Treat by submerging roots in diluted imidacloprid solution and allowing to dry before repotting.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The taxonomic position of this plant has been debated for decades. Originally described as Cotyledon herrei by W.F. Barker and transferred to Adromischus by Poellnitz, in recent classifications it is integrated as subsp. herrei within A. marianiae. However, many collections and databases maintain it under the epithet herrei due to its extremely distinct leaf morphology."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.