Argyroderma framesii L.Bolus
Frames's Silverstone / Hood Silverstone
Argyroderma framesii, "Frames's Silverstone," is a species in the Aizoaceae family endemic to the quartz fields of the South African Western Cape, described in honor of Percy Wyvyan Frames, a collector and student of South African succulents in the early 20th century. It is one of the least documented species of the genus in widely accessible scientific literature.
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© Photo by David J. Stang
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Argyroderma |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent perennial succulent with globose grey-silvery leaves; forms similar to the rest of the genus. Autumn–winter growth. |
| Conservation Status | Data insufficient in widely accessible sources; Least Concern is presumed though restriction to Knersvlakte quartz fields makes it intrinsically vulnerable. |
| pH Target | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Type | Western Cape quartz fields; pure quartz, no organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Globose to semi-globose leaves in silvery grey, smooth and waxy; morphologically very similar to A. delaetii but with differences in the central fissure angle and possibly size. Estimated 3–5 cm in length per leaf pair.
ecoPractically invisible; stem structure identical to the rest of the genus.
ecoFlower color described as magenta or pink in available literature, though data are insufficient for a precise description. Typical genus floral pattern with diurnal anthesis.
ecoThick vertical roots; root architecture similar to the rest of the quartz Argyroderma.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Western Cape quartz fields; pure quartz, no organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in autumn when ambient temperature consistently drops below 25 °C; A. framesii responds well to nights of 13–18 °C
- 2 Prepare seedbed with very fine washed quartz sand; distribute seeds on the surface without covering
- 3 Moisten with a mister and cover with a glass sheet; place in a bright spot without direct sunlight
- 4 Germination in 1–3 weeks; the oval-shaped seedlings are very delicate in the first 4–6 weeks, do not transplant hastily
- 1 Divide only in autumn; the oval leaf shape of A. framesii makes it easy to identify each individual pair
- 2 Remove the plant from the pot, clean the roots, and separate pairs with a sterilized scalpel
- 3 Allow cuts to dry for 2–3 days before planting each division
- 4 Plant in mineral sand; do not water until signs of new leaf turgidity are seen (2–4 weeks)
A. framesii has flowers ranging from yellow to white; flowering requires a strict dry summer followed by autumn watering
Watering in summer upon seeing wrinkled leaves, which causes immediate rot
Every 3–4 years in autumn, at the start of growth; 100% mineral substrate in unglazed terracotta pot.
No fertilizer for the first 2 years; thereafter, mineral fertilizer at 10% dose once in autumn. Never in summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No reported toxicity; consistent with the genus.
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"The scientific documentation of A. framesii is so limited that some modern authors have questioned its status as an independent species, suggesting it may be a geographic variety of A. delaetii. Definitive delimitation requires molecular phylogenetic studies that have not yet been published. Treating its cultivation identically to A. delaetii is recommended until more specific data are available."
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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.