Conophytum burgeri

Conophytum burgeri is a small succulent in the Aizoaceae family. Its common names include Burger's onion and Little Light Bulbs. It comes from dry parts of South Africa. Sources differ on its precise range within the Cape provinces. LLIFLE places it near Aggenys in the Northern Cape. There it grows on firm rises in Succulent Karoo vegetation. Quartz stones cover the clay-rich soil at its wild site.

Each rounded body consists of two wholly fused leaves. The shape can look like an onion or cone. Bodies stand about 0.04–0.08 feet (0.013–0.025 metres) tall. Some reach 0.10 feet (0.03 metres). Their width falls within much the same range. The smooth, shiny leaves range from pale grey-green to ruby red. Light can pass through their translucent skin. A short slit at the top can be hard to see. White, flaky sheaths persist around the bodies, covering them in winter. Most plants have one head, though cultivated plants may form five.

The flowers have rose-purple petals with white bases. They carry a honey scent and have yellow anthers. Flowers may split the leaf bodies as they emerge. LLIFLE reports bloom in April and May in South Africa. Flowers open for a short time during the afternoon. The fruit has six chambers and a sharply pointed top.

This species grows during spring and summer, then rests in winter. Give it strong sun, cool nights, and good airflow. Use a very free-draining potting mix in a shallow pot. Small pots can house the plant for many years. LLIFLE reports that large containers may lead to poorer flowering. Water lightly during growth, once the soil has become quite dry. In winter, give very little moisture, only when bodies start to shrivel. Too much water can split the skin and leave scars. It can also lead to rot. LLIFLE reports cold tolerance down to about −2°C.

Its small size suits pot culture and specialist succulent collections. Growth is very slow, even under good conditions. Seedlings may take three or four years to reach pea size. LLIFLE describes seed as the only means of propagation. Seeds sprout readily, but young plants need close care during their first year. The source reports fewer than 250 wild plants at one site. Mining, habitat loss, and illegal collection threaten that population. The supplied evidence gives no basis for food or medicinal use. It also provides no species-specific safety assessment for people or pets.