Anacampseros rufescens Sweet
Rufescent anacampseros / Sunrise
Anacampseros rufescens is the most popular and widely cultivated species in the genus. Its compact rosettes of oblong to spatulate leaves, deep reddish-purple under full sun (yellowish-green in shade), make it unmistakable. It is widely sold under the cultivar name 'Sunrise'. Its 5-petaled pink flowers are ephemeral: they open only 2–4 hours on sunny afternoons, a fascinating phenomenon for collectors. Native to the Karoo and Cape Province of South Africa, it has successfully adapted to cultivation worldwide.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacampserotaceae |
| Genus | Anacampseros |
| Growth Habit | Rosette-forming caespitose succulent, slow to moderate growth, tends to form clumps |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — IUCN |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy or gravelly, very well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy or gravelly, very well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
S
F
Every 2–3 years or at the start of spring when the rosette fills the pot
Spring–summer: cactus fertilizer diluted 50%, once a month
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic — safe for humans; limited data for pets
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 cultivar 'Sunrise' is particularly stable in its reddish coloration. Recent studies place A. rufescens as sister species to Avonia papyracea, both evolutionarily linked to dew-capture strategies via papery scales."
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.