Anacampseros albissima Marloth
White anacampseros
Anacampseros albissima is perhaps the most extreme in adaptation within the genus: its leaves are completely hidden beneath bright white papery scales that reflect the intense sunlight of Namaqualand. The plant looks like a collection of small white pearls stacked together. It is extremely drought-resistant and grows very slowly.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© KP Laer
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacampserotaceae |
| Genus | Anacampseros |
| Growth Habit | Small stoloniferous succulent, erect, 3–8 cm, with stems covered in white papery scales |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC, IUCN) |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Very mineral and free-draining quartzite substrate |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Completely hidden under white-silver papery stipular scales; the scales completely overlap, covering the stem.
ecoEphemeral, white to very pale pink, 5 petals; open a few hours per day. Slender and delicate peduncle.
ecoErect stem 3–8 cm covered by scales; base may thicken slightly with age.
ecoFibrous, shallow; perfectly adapted to quartz and shale soils.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very mineral and free-draining quartzite substrate
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in pure fine quartz substrate without covering seeds.
- 2 Keep at 22–28 °C; high humidity for the first 10 days then reduce.
- 3 Extremely slow growth: 6–12 months for a presentable seedling.
Very small terracotta pot with excellent drainage.
Any water excess is fatal for this species.
Every 4–5 years; minimal root disturbance
Do not fertilize or once every 2 years with a very diluted cactus solution
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxicity records
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The white papery scales of A. albissima are an extreme adaptation to reflect ultraviolet radiation and lower the plant's internal temperature in the white quartz landscapes of Namaqualand, where surface temperatures can exceed 60 °C."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote 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.