Faucaria tigrina aka Tiger's Jaw

Faucaria tigrina, or tiger jaws, is a small evergreen succulent. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family. Its wild range lies near Grahamstown in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It grows on open sandstone patches within thicket and savanna habitats. Wild plants face losses from farming, grazing, and urban growth. The remaining groups are small and scattered.

Plants form tight clumps of thick leaves in crowded rosettes. Garden plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 m) tall and wide. They take two to five years to reach full size. Young plants have little visible stem. Older plants can form short, woody stems. The fleshy leaves are triangular and green to grey-green. Some take on red or blue-purple tones. White spots mark their slightly rough surfaces. Pale teeth line each leaf edge, with soft, curved bristles. These edges give the paired leaves their jaw-like look.

Yellow flowers rise from the centre of each rosette. They resemble daisies and span about 0.16 feet (0.05 m). Bloom runs from autumn into early winter. Flowers need full sun to open. They open near noon and shut again at night. The small fruits have a bell-like shape and detach with ease. Their tops range from flat to slightly rounded. Each fruit holds tiny seeds.

Grow tiger jaws in full light with good drainage. The RHS recommends cactus compost and low air humidity under glass. Sandy or loamy soils suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Water well during growth, then keep the compost only slightly moist. Give diluted, low-nitrogen feed every two weeks in late spring and summer. Its H2 rating means it tolerates cool conditions but not freezing. It can stand outdoors in summer, with shelter. Protect it from frost rather than treating it as a hardy outdoor plant.

Its small size suits pots and patio displays. The toothed leaves provide interest between flower seasons. It needs no pruning, and the RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Raise new plants from seed or take stem cuttings. These traits make it a low-maintenance choice where frost protection is available. The supplied sources give no guidance on eating it or on its toxicity.