Bergeranthus artus L.Bolus
Tight bergeranthus
Bergeranthus artus is a species with restricted distribution to the Somerset East area of the South African Eastern Cape. Described by L. Bolus, its specific epithet 'artus' (narrow, tight in Latin) refers to the compact rosette habit, with leaves held closely together. It produces typical yellow diurnal flowers and is appreciated in specialist collections for its contained growth habit.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Bergeranthus |
| Growth Habit | Compact caespitose perennial succulent; very tight rosettes with narrowly arranged triangular leaves. Diurnal flowering. More compact habit than B. multiceps. |
| Conservation Status | Data deficient (DD); very localized distribution around Somerset East. Potentially vulnerable to agricultural land-use changes. |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy, very well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Triangular, fleshy, 2.5–4.5 cm long, dark green. Arranged very tightly in the rosette (characteristic of the epithet 'artus'). Apex acute.
ecoYellow, diurnal, 2–3 cm in diameter, typical of the genus. Flowering in summer-autumn.
ecoCompact fibrous root system. Roots are proportionally denser than in B. multiceps, adapted to the clayey substrates of Somerset East.
ecoLow, compact clump 4–10 cm tall; slower growth than B. multiceps. The smaller, tighter rosettes are its most distinctive feature.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy, 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
- 1 Carefully separate rosettes in spring; tight leaves require extra care when dividing
- 2 Callous for 2–3 days in shade without watering
- 3 Plant in pure mineral substrate and wait 10 days before watering
- 1 Sow in spring on fine sand; do not cover
- 2 Maintain at 20–24 °C with constant moisture
- 3 Transplant when reaching 2–3 cm tall
S
Overwatering in winter
Every 3 years in spring
Very diluted mineral fertilizer once a year in spring.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic
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 localised distribution of B. artus at Somerset East, far from the genus core distribution in Uitenhage, suggests an isolated colonisation or speciation event. Its compact habit may reflect adaptations to specific local edaphic or climatic conditions of that area."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🔴 LowVote 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.