Avonia retusa SEEDS

Avonia retusa seeds grow into a compact dwarf succulent native to the arid Cape Province of South Africa. This miniature plant develops low, cushion-forming stems densely covered in overlapping papery scales the silvery-white stipules that clothe all Avonia and provide both camouflage and protection from solar radiation and desiccation. The scale covering has a noticeably rough, almost sandpapery texture in this species, giving rise to its informal collector’s name. Flowers are white to pale pink, large for the plant’s size, and open only in direct, bright sunlight.

Avonia retusa is a very slow-growing specialist plant demanding the most austere conditions: pure mineral grit, virtually no organic content in the compost, full sun at all times, and water applied only sparingly in the growing season with a dry winter rest.

• Stems clothed in white papery scales with a slightly rough, textured surface
• Flowers white to pale pink; large relative to plant; open only in full direct sun
• Compact, slow-growing cushion habit; Cape Province, South Africa
• Very gritty mineral substrate; minimal organic matter; sparing watering
• Two varieties: the typical form and the woolly var. lanuginosa

Avonia retusa is a choice specialist miniature from the Cape slow-growing, botanically fascinating and producing flowers of disproportionate beauty for its tiny scale. A rewarding subject for the dedicated collector of dwarf South African succulents.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.