Trichodiadema - Barbatum

Trichodiadema barbatum, also known as the Pickle Plant or Bearded Crownfig, is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa.

Foliage:

• It features small, cylindrical, green to grey-green leaves.

• A distinctive characteristic is the tufty bristles of soft, white hairs at the tips of its leaves, giving it a "bearded" appearance.

• Flowers:

  • It produces small, vibrant flowers, typically magenta-pink with a yellow center.

  • These flowers usually bloom in spring and summer.

• Growth Habit:

  • It starts as an erect plant and then tends to spread out, forming a groundcover.

  • It has a tuberous root base, which can be exposed for decorative purposes.

• Caudex:

  • It developes a caudex, which is a thickened stem or root, that can be raised for display.

Cultivation:

• Sunlight:

  • It thrives in full sun to partial shade.

• Soil:

  • Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix.

• Watering:

  • Needs infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

  • It is drought-tolerant.

• Temperature:

  • It is cold hardy to around 25°F (-4°C), but prolonged freezing temperatures can damage it.

Key Features and Uses:

• Its unique foliage and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice for succulent gardens and rockeries.

• It can be grown in containers and hanging baskets.

• The exposed tuberous roots add an interesting aesthetic, particularly in bonsai-style displays.

• It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Origin:

• Native to South Africa, particularly regions like the Eastern Cape.

* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.

** All plants will be posted bare rooted.

*** Stock is subject to availability. Should an ordered item become unavailable a full refund for said item will be given within 48hrs.