Aloinopsis acuta

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David1971
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Aloinopsis acuta

Post by David1971 »

Last autumn I sowed seeds of A. acuta from the MSG. This species was presumably re-found in recent years after more than half a century without being recorded in the wild, but I would like to know more details on this recent discovery (year, population size, etc). I would appreciate if someone tells me a bit more of the story of this plant. Thanks in advance
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by ralphrmartin »

Super plant!
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by Terry S. »

The seed in question came from Steve Hammer. He found out after writing his book on the genus that a nurseryman who specialised in hardy succulents was growing material in northern California that was in fact this long-lost species. So Steve was able to identify and propagate it.

Two weeks ago at the Southern African Bulb Group meeting, we were shown photographs taken on a post-conference tour of the Indigenous Bulb Society of South Africa (IBSA) which included an image of this species in the wild. IBSA members love doing trips to Middelpos on the Roggeveld plateau (1700m and down to -15C in winter). Their bus stopped south of Middelpos and they were shown this Aloinopsis growing in flat gritty areas right next to the road - no hiking needed. As you will know from your plants, it is a very small species and hides well in the grit. So it would probably have required someone visiting the area during the flowering season to refind it.

I can't quote chapter and verse, but I hope this helps a bit.
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by Tony R »

That is a little gem! Well done!
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David1971
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by David1971 »

Terry S. wrote: Sun Apr 21, 2019 8:44 am The seed in question came from Steve Hammer. He found out after writing his book on the genus that a nurseryman who specialised in hardy succulents was growing material in northern California that was in fact this long-lost species. So Steve was able to identify and propagate it.

Two weeks ago at the Southern African Bulb Group meeting, we were shown photographs taken on a post-conference tour of the Indigenous Bulb Society of South Africa (IBSA) which included an image of this species in the wild. IBSA members love doing trips to Middelpos on the Roggeveld plateau (1700m and down to -15C in winter). Their bus stopped south of Middelpos and they were shown this Aloinopsis growing in flat gritty areas right next to the road - no hiking needed. As you will know from your plants, it is a very small species and hides well in the grit. So it would probably have required someone visiting the area during the flowering season to refind it.

I can't quote chapter and verse, but I hope this helps a bit.
Yes Terry, it helps, thanks a lot. In the web of UICN there is a link to a picture taken in August 2015 (see https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/579684 ... psis-acuta)
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by rthr »

Hi David,

Those are gorgeous little seedlings. I've grown them from seed too and, as Terry says, they can look extremely cryptic - this 13cm pot contains 9 little plants!

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Last year I visited the A.acuta locality south of Middlepos. It's basically restricted to a flat field that's seasonally wet and, as the iNaturalist habitat photos show, the plants grow in the cracked mud. I'd been warned they'd be invisible/underground if there'd been no rain and this was indeed the case. It was quite surprising that they'd be growing in such a place.

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This fantastic habitat shot was taken by the late and lovely Rachel Saunders, who was lucky enough to see the Middlepos plants in flower in 2014.

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David1971
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Re: Aloinopsis acuta

Post by David1971 »

Thank you very much Catherine, very interesting, I had never looked for an Aloinopsis in such a place! I have noticed that they are fast growers, perhaps as an adaption to such a seasonal habitat. The picture of the plants with flowers shows that in spite of the small size of the vegetative part they have relatively large flowers.
Un abrazo!
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