Conophytum flavum aka Conophytum Flavum

Conophytum flavum is a small succulent perennial in the Aizoaceae family. It comes from South Africa's Cape region, including Little Namaqualand. Wild plants grow among quartz, shale, and granite outcrops. They often root in cracks within the rock. Kew places the species in desert or dry shrubland. Garden plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall and wide. The RHS gives two to five years to reach full size.

Plants form clumps, mats, or cushions of paired fleshy leaves. Each pair joins in part to form a rounded body. Seen from above, these bodies look round or oval. Their broad tops may look flat or slightly hollow. The smooth leaves range from grey-green to blue-green or whitish green. Some have scattered dark green spots; others lack them. A short cleft marks the top of each body. In spring, old leaves fade and dry into thin sheaths. These sheaths shield the next growth through the summer rest.

LLIFLE describes pale yellow to golden flowers with no scent. Thin petals spread out in a loose, star-like shape. The flowers open in bright morning sun and close late in the afternoon. Most bloom from August to November. The RHS instead records pale to deep brown autumn flowers. These sources therefore differ on flower colour. The smooth, pale brown fruit has four to seven chambers.

Grow this species under glass in full light and low humidity. The RHS recommends equal parts sharp sand and loam, plus half as much leaf mould. The mix must let excess water drain away. Give small amounts of water during growth, then keep it dry while resting. LLIFLE links growth to winter rain and rest to summer. Too much water can split the skin. The RHS rates it H2: it tolerates cool conditions but not freezing. It needs no extra fertiliser or pruning.

Its small size suits containers and sheltered patio displays. The RHS reports few disease problems, though aphids may attack it. Raise new plants from seed with gentle heat and high humidity. Lower the humidity once the seeds sprout. Offsets offer another way to propagate it. The supplied sources give no species-level evidence for edible uses or toxicity.