Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Red Spike Ice Plant, Cephalophyllum speciosum

Red Spike Ice Plant, Cephalophyllum speciosum October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Red Spike Ice Plant Cephalophyllum speciosum	Red Spike Ice Plant Cephalophyllum speciosum

Red Spike Ice Plant Cephalophyllum speciosum, Fig - Marigold or Ice Plant Family ( Aizoaceae ), Red Spike Ice Plant. Cephalophyllum speciosum are creeping, with distinct internodes from which roots may arise. Leaf pairs are slightly fused at the base. Leaves are smooth-textured, bluish green, fleshy (succulent), soft and usually covered with a thick, waxy bloom that is easily rubbed off. Their showy flowers are red to magenta and occur singly. Red Spike Ice Plant belongs to the genus, Cephalophyllum, which consists of a group of 30 or so species of mesemb from southwestern South Africa. They need a lot of sun, but in very hot climates like Phoenix, in summer, they will need a little shade and regular light watering for a part of the day in order to survive the summer. Height: Height about 5 inches. Spreading about 18 inches. Flowers: About 1 inch red to magenta. Blooming Time: Mid March - April. Then occasionally during the late summer. Leaves: Evergreen, usually green, blue-green and fleshy. Opposite and slightly united basally, semi-hemispherical to cylindrical, smooth 1.5" long. Elevation: 0 - 3,500 Feet. Habitat: Full Sun. Dry Soil. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Native to SW South Africa. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken; October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum.