Aeonium korneliuslemsii
Kornelius-Lems Aeonium
Aeonium korneliuslemsii is the sole member of the Aeonium arboreum complex found outside the Canary Islands, with natural populations restricted to southwestern Morocco. Originally described as a full species by H.Y. Liu, modern taxonomy tends to treat it as a subspecies of A. arboreum. The plant forms succulent shrubs up to 1.5 m tall with terminal rosettes of grey-green to blue-green hues, larger than in other subspecies. Like all Aeonium, it is a winter grower, remaining dormant during the hot, dry summer.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Branched succulent shrub, winter grower, with large grey-green terminal rosettes |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (DD) at global scale per IUCN; Moroccan populations are considered small and potentially threatened by habitat degradation |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Poor mineral soil, well-drained, tolerant of calcareous substrate |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate, 6–12 cm long, grey-green to blue-green with a finely denticulate and ciliate margin. The waxy cuticle provides some resistance to desiccation during summer dormancy.
ecoYellow, 6–9-petalled, gathered in dense pyramidal panicles 15–25 cm long. Flowering occurs in late winter to spring. Each rosette is monocarpic and dies after flowering.
ecoWoody at the base, 1.5–3 cm in diameter, with brownish bark and prominent leaf scars. Branches lean over time under the weight of rosettes.
ecoFibrous, shallow, adapted to the calcareous stony soils of southwestern Morocco. Highly sensitive to excess moisture.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Poor mineral soil, well-drained, tolerant of calcareous substrate
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
Propagate by cuttings at the start of autumn when growth resumes
Watering in summer causes fatal rot
Every 2–3 years at the start of autumn
Diluted succulent fertilizer once a month in autumn and winter; no fertilization in summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented toxicity for humans or common pets.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora spp.) — caused by summer watering or substrate with excessive water retention
Mealybug (Planococcus citri) — colonizes the base of leaves and rosettes
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"It is the only species/subspecies of the A. arboreum complex with a natural continental African distribution; its rarity in botanical collections makes it valuable for biogeographic studies of the genus Aeonium."
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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.