Faucaria tigrina (Haw.) Schwantes
Tiger Jaws / Tiger's Jaws
Faucaria tigrina, known as "Tiger Jaws," is one of the most recognizable succulents in the Aizoaceae family due to its dramatic appearance. It is endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, specifically the Albany Thicket and surrounding Karoo areas. Its interlocking, toothed leaves resemble the open mouth of a feline. It blooms in autumn with large, very showy yellow flowers.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Faucaria |
| Growth Habit | Compact, low-growing perennial succulent rosette that forms clumps over time; actively grows mainly in autumn and winter but more tolerant of spring growth than strict mesembs. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) in South Africa; well established in the Albany Thicket though locally threatened by invasive plant species and habitat conversion to agriculture. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Eastern Cape thicket soil: clay-sandy with some organic matter, well-drained; slightly acidic to neutral pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves are thick, triangular in section, grey-green with white spots and dots evoking tiger markings, and with 8–10 rigid, curved teeth on each margin. Opposite leaves interlock at the base to form the characteristic "jaw" that gives the species its name.
ecoVery short and branched from the base; stems produce additional rosettes forming dense clumps. Over time the basal stem becomes somewhat lignified but the plant always remains very low-growing.
ecoSolitary flowers 4–6 cm in diameter, bright yellow with a lighter center, with numerous linear petals and a large mass of yellow stamens at the center. They bloom in autumn–winter and open during peak sunlight hours; they are self-incompatible and require cross-pollination to produce seeds.
ecoFibrous, moderately deep root system adapted to the clay-rich soils of the Albany Thicket. More tolerant of soils with some organic matter than strict mesembs like Lithops or Argyroderma.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Eastern Cape thicket soil: clay-sandy with some organic matter, well-drained; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect seeds from ripe capsules after autumn flowering.
- 2 Prepare tray with fine silica sand + perlite mix (1:1); moisten lightly.
- 3 Scatter seeds on the surface; cover with a 1 mm layer of fine sand.
- 4 Place at 18–22 °C with day/night temperature fluctuation (≥ 5 °C difference improves germination).
- 5 Keep lightly moist; germination in 7–21 days.
- 6 Prick out seedlings once they have their first true pair of leaves.
- 1 Remove the whole clump from the pot in autumn at the start of the active season.
- 2 Separate groups of 2–3 leaf pairs with their own roots using a sterile scalpel.
- 3 Allow cuts to callus in open air for 2–3 days.
- 4 Plant in draining mineral mix; water lightly after 5 days.
F. tigrina is a winter mesemb: water from September to April, reduce drastically in summer.
Watering abundantly in summer: winter mesembs enter semi-dormancy and rot easily.
Every 2–3 years in autumn. Roots fill the pot relatively quickly given its active winter season.
Fertilizer diluted to 50% balanced (NPK 10-10-10 or similar) once a month during the active season (October–March). No fertilization in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans or most domestic animals; leaf teeth can cause minor physical irritation on contact but contain no toxic substances. Considered safe.
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"F. tigrina's leaf teeth are not true spines (they are not vascularized) but rather hardened epidermal extensions. Studies on herbivore behavior in the Albany Thicket suggest the "menacing jaw" appearance does effectively reduce nibbling rates by tortoises and small mammals."
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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.