Faucaria subintegra L.Bolus
Smooth-Margined Tiger Jaws
Faucaria subintegra, the "smooth-margined tiger jaws," is notable within the genus for its leaves with much less toothed margins than other species, with the epithet "subintegra" (almost entire/smooth) reflecting this differential character. It is endemic to the Albany Thicket and surrounding Eastern Cape Karoo region. Its less aggressive appearance makes it morphologically more understated than F. tigrina, though equally attractive for its yellow flowers.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Peter A. Mansfeld
CC BY 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Faucaria |
| Growth Habit | Compact rosette, similar to the rest of the genus; autumn–winter growth, forms small clumps over time. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) at regional level; stable population data in the Albany Thicket though the species is poorly documented. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Albany Thicket: clay-sandy, well-drained, neutral pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves 3–5 cm long, grey-green to medium green, with nearly smooth margins or very small, sparse teeth (2–5 barely pronounced teeth), unlike the rest of the genus. The overall appearance is rounder and less "menacing" than other Faucaria.
ecoShort and branched; standard genus structure.
ecoBright yellow flowers 3–5 cm; standard autumn flowering for the genus.
ecoFibrous roots similar to the rest of the genus.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Albany Thicket: clay-sandy, well-drained, neutral pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Harvest seeds from ripe capsules in autumn.
- 2 Sow on fine mineral mix at 18–22 °C with thermal differential.
- 3 Moisten with a fine mister; germination in 10–21 days.
- 4 Transplant at 2 months; take special care as it is harder to distinguish from other Faucaria when young.
- 1 Divide in autumn, separating heads with roots.
- 2 The nearly entire margin (without prominent teeth) does not change propagation methods.
- 3 Callus for 2–3 days and plant in draining substrate.
- 4 First moderate watering after 7 days.
F. subintegra is notable for its nearly smooth margins; its identification in a collection depends on the leaf margin.
Confusing it with other Faucaria and treating it differently; care is essentially the same.
Every 2–3 years in autumn at the beginning of the active season.
Balanced fertilizer at 50% monthly from October to March. No fertilization in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic; safety profile consistent with Faucaria spp.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The almost completely smooth margin of F. subintegra raises an interesting evolutionary question: if Faucaria leaf teeth are an anti-herbivory adaptation, what alternative adaptive advantage does reducing them offer in this species? One hypothesis is that in its specific Albany Thicket microhabitat, herbivore pressure is lower and the metabolic costs of maintaining the teeth were unfavorable."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote 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.