Aloinopsis rosulata aka Aloinopsis Rosulata

Aloinopsis rosulata is a small succulent in the Aizoaceae family. Kew lists its life form as a succulent subshrub. It comes from South Africa, where it grows in dry country. Kew records its native range as the Eastern Cape. LLIFLE also includes the Western Cape, from Beaufort West towards Willowmore and Steytlerville. The species belongs to the Nama Karoo flora. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant forms a low rosette of thick, leathery leaves. The whole plant reaches about 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] across. Its short, fragile stems sit close to the ground. Much of the plant lies beneath the soil surface. Its thick taproot reaches about 0.66 feet [0.20 metres] long. The root can measure 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] across. It narrows at both ends and takes more space than the leaves. LLIFLE suggests a deep pot to make room for it.

The leaves are spatulate, with broad tips and narrow bases. Each leaf measures about 0.10 feet [0.03 metres] long. The tips thicken into a roughly triangular shape. These tips may be the only parts visible above ground. Small raised areas mark the upper leaf surface. A rough wax coating adds to the leaf texture. The plant grows during winter, rather than following a summer growth cycle.

LLIFLE gives two accounts of the flower colour. Its overview describes pale pink petals with red centre lines. Its detailed account gives yellow petals with a red stripe. Small bracteoles sit below the flowers but draw little notice. Each flower has five carpels. The fruit is a capsule with rounded upper and lower surfaces. Seen from the side, it looks like a swollen lens. Its valve wings become narrower towards their tips.

In the wild, this species grows among loose shale stones. It occurs on flats and lower slopes with some lime. Annual rainfall there stays below 0.98 feet [0.30 metres]. Most rain falls during March and April. Records cover a broad area, though known sites are few. LLIFLE notes that botanists have explored the range poorly. Separate populations can hold many plants. That source reports no current extinction threat. The supplied evidence gives no frost limits or detailed watering schedule. It also gives no specific pest, disease, food-use, or toxicity information.