Adromischus triflorus (L.) A.Berger
Three-flowered adromischus
Adromischus triflorus is a miniature succulent of the Crassulaceae family, native to the Cape Floristic Region (South Africa), where it grows in crevices of quartzite and shale in fynbos and succulent karoo zones. Its leaves are obovate to nearly spherical, greyish-green with characteristic purplish spots, and have a slightly rough texture. The species owes its specific epithet to its inflorescences that bear flowers typically in groups of three. It is a summer grower: its active growth runs through spring and summer, entering partial dormancy during the dry Cape winter. The tubular pinkish-white flowers emerge on slender spikes of 15–25 cm in summer.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Adromischus |
| Growth Habit | Stemless or very short-stemmed succulent, forming small compact rosette clumps of 5–10 cm in diameter; summer grower with partial winter dormancy |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — relatively common in the fynbos and succulent karoo of the Cape; no immediate severe threats, though habitat degradation from agriculture and urbanization is an ongoing pressure |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Type | Quartzitic, skeletal, very nutrient-poor; slightly acidic pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Obovate to nearly spherical, 2–4 cm long, greyish-green with irregular purple-brown spots; slightly rough-papillose texture. Some forms show more intense spotting on the dorsal surfaces.
ecoTubular, white-pink to pink, 1–1.5 cm long, grouped in threes on slender spikes of 15–25 cm height. Typically flowers in summer (November-January in the Southern Hemisphere; May-August in Northern Hemisphere cultivation).
ecoVery short or virtually absent in young plants; in mature specimens can develop a short woody caudex of 1–3 cm. Leaves are densely inserted forming a compact rosette.
ecoFibrous, moderately deep for their size, adapted to rock crevices. Sensitive to waterlogging; require substrate with excellent drainage.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Quartzitic, skeletal, very nutrient-poor; slightly acidic pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Detach a healthy, turgid leaf from the base, twisting gently to avoid damaging the sheath
- 2 Allow the basal end of the leaf to dry for 5–7 days in a warm, dry spot
- 3 Lay the leaf horizontally on very dry perlite or sand, without burying it
- 4 Place under bright indirect light at 22–26 °C; do not water until small shoots and roots appear
- 5 Transplant the seedling when the mother leaf has been consumed and the shoot has 2–3 of its own leaves
- 1 Cut a rosette with 2–3 cm of stem with a clean knife
- 2 Dry the cut for 5–7 days until a callus forms
- 3 Insert shallowly into dry mineral substrate
- 4 Water for the first time after 10–14 days; gradually increase frequency
Use very small pots (7–9 cm) of terracotta: excess substrate retains fatal moisture in winter
Watering in winter on the same schedule as summer — the primary cause of loss in cultivation
Every 2–3 years at the start of spring; always inspect roots for Rhizoecus
One dose at the start of spring with very diluted cactus fertilizer (25%); do not fertilize in autumn or winter
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No toxicity documented for humans or pets. Species considered harmless.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Pythium ultimum) from excess winter watering — critical risk; keep dry from November to February
Root mealybugs (Rhizoecus spp.) — hard to detect; plant shows decline without apparent cause; inspect roots at each repotting
Aerial mealybugs (Planococcus citri) — shelters at leaf bases; treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol
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"The epithet triflorus refers to the characteristic arrangement of 3 flowers per node on the spike, although in practice the number may vary between 2 and 5. Leaf spots are an important diagnostic trait but highly variable between populations. Adromischus triflorus is one of the first species in the genus to be described, appearing in Linnaeus's works under the name Cotyledon triflora before its modern combination."
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Scientific Integrity
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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.