Los Angeles County, the Channel Islands, and Guadalupe Island are home to the rare species of perennial, succulent plant known as the green liveforever or brilliant green dudleya, which is native to California and Baja California (where subspecies extima is endemic). The leaves are usually green, fleshy, strap-shaped, and 8–20 cm long by 1.5–3 cm wide, tapering from the base (or from near the center). They’re set up in a rosette. White flowers with a red center.
Where do succulents originate?
These distinctively formed, colorful, and occasionally fuzzy succulents are indigenous to tropical areas of the world. These originated in Africa, Asia, and Madagascar.
Succulents are they native plants?
Instead of the many magnificent native Australian types, most Australians probably picture the exotic succulents and cacti they see in their neighborhood plant nursery when they think of “succulent plants.” However, Australia is home to 400 or so succulent species, which may be found in all of the country’s states and in the majority of its areas.
In coastal, inland, temperate, subtropical, and tropical habitats, succulents can be found. Succulents comprise a variety of plants, many of which are groundcovers or low-growing, such as orchids, hoyas, shrubs, and even the boab. While species can grow in a variety of soil types, some succulent plants are lithophytes and epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants (plants that grow in or on rocks).
On June 20, 2017, we will release the Australian Succulents stamp issue to highlight some of these incredible “water-storers.” Four endemic succulent plant species from Australia are depicted on the stamps, which were created by Janet Boschen.
Many of the related objects and the pictures used in the stamp designs come from the Attila and Michele Kapitany collection. In fact, Attila gave a lot of advise and support during the stamp issue’s creation, starting from the very beginning. He has devoted more than 35 years of his professional life to researching, cultivating, and promoting Australian succulent plants to gardeners and the general public, particularly the lesser-known types. His enthusiasm for cacti and succulents is well recognized.
Attila has appeared on television, radio, and the speaking circuits both domestically and abroad. Attila served as the Cactus and Succulent Society of Australia’s immediately preceding president for ten years. He routinely contributes to publications, journals, and newspapers in Australia as a member of the Horticultural Media, writing about the benefits of succulents. With Rudolf Schulz, Attila co-authored seven volumes on succulents. His eighth book, on Australian native species, was a solo effort. More recently, he also wrote a series of eight booklets on xerophytic Australian flora. Attila and Michele’s magnificent, expansive “succulent” garden in their Melbourne home is further proof of Attila’s lifelong passion in succulent plants.
Attila discussed his love of succulent plants, including the four varieties depicted on the stamps, with us.
Succulence, succulents, or both? The term “succulent” is frequently used as an adjective, such as “a succulent plant,” as well as a noun, such as “a succulent.” Botanists refer to plants with succulence by the more precise term “a succulent plant.” Many “succulent plants,” which are native to arid and seasonally dry locations, have evolved to store water in their leaves, stems, trunks, or roots in order to survive dry spells. A succulent plant, like common pigface, would significantly shrivel after several months without rain. However, after a deluge of winter rain, the plant rehydrates and becomes plump and extremely succulent once more.
In comparison to other succulent plants, are Australian succulent plants particularly unique?
Worldwide, there aren’t many differences between succulent plants on different continents, although Australian plants with a lot of water storage, or succulence, stand out more after floods. In the majority of the dry and semi-arid zones of Australia, there are minor ephemeral species.
What intriguing details about native Australian succulents might the general public not be aware of?
The majority of Australians are aware of the typical succulent plants found in nurseries, marketplaces, and on grandmothers’ front porches. These are some of the most garden-resistant species in the entire globe. At most, one to two hundred species. The general public is less aware that there are at least 400 succulent species in Australia and that there are more than 12,000 known species of succulent plants globally. Surprisingly, Australia is importing and cultivating an increasing number of foreign species, but there is little to no interest in testing our local species. To rectify this and give Australian succulent plants a fair chance is my mission statement.
Can you provide us with some interesting information about each of the species depicted on the stamp?
This plant seems pretty strange in its natural environment. The color and texture of its leaf frequently match that of the rocky gravel in which it grows. Botanists can only determine the location of plants by looking at their blossoms, and that region is central Western Australia. The blossoms can grow to be enormous and striking. They are more ostentatious due to the longer central stigma.
“The height of this species reaches about 55 centimeters. Its remarkable construction includes multiple-segmented stems that serve as leaves and even go through the photosynthesis process. It can be found in western Northern Territory, northwestern South Australia, and north, central, and south-west central Western Australia. Indigenous people continue to gather the edible, wheat-like seed produced by this species today.
It is also known as a “jellybean plant,” and its vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, and reds are on display. It initially takes the form of a rosette, then branches out to grow up to 80 centimeters in diameter. Calandrinias are unquestionably the most stunning succulents in Australia, both for their vibrant flowers, which can cover the ground after a desert rain, and for their sometimes-almost-as-bright foliage! The most common succulent in Australia is an Australian calandrinia, which has a large number of annual and perennial species. Native Americans preferred using these plants as a food and water source in desert areas. For example, emu chicks in dry places are entirely dependent on calandrinias for the first six weeks of their life, and many other animals and insects also rely significantly on them for survival.
“This species is a perennial low-growing shrub that grows to a height of about 50 centimeters and a width of about 1.5 meters. It can be found in north-western New South Wales, south-western Queensland, northern South Australia, and south-western Western Australia. The flower of this species is quite unique, with a fleshy green outer portion. The sepals and petals are combined into one in this instance.
You have a sizable collection of stamps, many of which include your photos. Can you give me additional information about it, including how and when you assembled the collection?
We have a one-acre garden with more than 10,000 plants, many of which are succulents, that my wife Michele and I created. We frequently introduce new varieties of largely Australian species to test them in our garden, determine whether they are suitable for gardens, and show them off to the public on set huge open days. As part of the Open Garden Scheme, we had more than 1,100 visitors on a particular weekend. Every year we explore the Australian deserts, taking hundreds of thousands of pictures. We were able to test out really rare and unique species thanks to a government permit for seed collection.
It would seem that succulents provide some excellent possibilities for gardeners. Please elaborate.
“Succulents are leading the way in water-conserving, low-maintenance gardening worldwide. They provide a vast diversity of form, color, and applications, such as the well-liked vertical and rooftop gardens.
On this particular issue, you served as the researcher’s advisor. How enthusiastic are you about the stamp release?
“I am extremely happy that these plants are receiving the recognition they deserve and that the Australian public, many of whom may not be aware that we have such lovely native succulents, will be introduced to them! Due to my long-standing enthusiasm for this topic, working with the team on this stamp issue has been tremendously satisfying.
While supplies last, the Australian Succulents stamp issue will be available starting on June 20, 2017, online, in participating Post Offices, and via mail order at 1800 331 794.
Cacti are they indigenous to California?
California is home to 32 different natural cacti species. These cacti plants can be found in a variety of sizes, forms, and flower varieties.
Cactus of the Cylindropuntia californica species are indigenous to California. It belongs to the most widespread cactus species in California. California cholla, cane cholla, and snake cholla are just a few of the common names for Cylindropuntia californica. The cane cholla has two known variations, the Var. parkeri of which is found in the nearby low desert in San Diego County and northern Baja in the transitional region between the desert and the chaparral. They typically have long, straight stands. Determining the several species’ variations, meanwhile, is challenging.
The teddy bear cholla, also known as Cylindropuntia bigelovii, is a peculiar-looking cactus that may be found in the American states of California, Arizona, and Nevada. They have extremely strong spines that give the plant a velvety appearance. Up to 5 ft (1.5 m) tall, they have distinct trunks and branches that are almost horizontal. Cylindropuntia bigelovii stems are easily detached from the plant, and the cholla balls that fall from them can be used to start new plants. The yellow-green colored blossoms emerge from the tip of the shrub.
A variety of prickly pear cactus, Opuntia basilaris, sometimes known as the beavertail cactus, can reach heights of up to 2.8-15.7 in (70-400 mm). A little species of opuntia called Opuntia basilaris with bright pink flowers and a blue-gray stem. The body of the beavertail cactus is covered in tiny bristles called glochids rather than spines. It typically grows in gardens and flowers in the spring to early summer.
Opuntia littoralis, often known as the coastal prickly pear, is a tiny shrub that is indigenous to the chaparral ecosystems and coastal sage scrub of southern California and Baja California. Clusters of several coastal prickly pears can be discovered. Due to its distinctive oval-shaped flat branch segments, many hybrids have developed that exhibit various hues.
Succulents thrive in California, right?
A few years ago, I scoffed at the idea of succulent plants. Jade plants seemed very uninteresting. But as time went on, I started to notice the incredible variety of succulents, so I bought a few. I gradually converted some of my several pots to succulents and soon realized the benefit of not needing to water them every day.
The leaves, stems, or roots of succulents are uniquely designed to hold moisture. All succulents are succulents, but not all cacti are succulents. Succulents require little water, are simple to cultivate, and can be easily propagated. And many have stunning blossoms, making them absolutely stunning. They are perfect for California gardening because of these qualities. Some fire departments advise using them for landscaping, particularly close to dwellings.
Succulents are available for almost any garden setting, including color. People mistakenly believe that everyone needs full sun, but this is untrue. Some succulents thrive in partial shade when they are protected from the fiercest sun. For instance, aeoniums value some shade, particularly in hotter inland regions. They produce giant yellow conical flowers that are at their largest in the first few months of the year. They are monocarpic, which means that once the bloom sets seed, the top of the plant dies. The entire plant will perish if there are no side branches below the blossoming rosette. My favorite succulents are aeoniums because of their exquisite sculptural forms and wide range of size and color, from tiny to enormous to nearly white to black.
The requirement for proper drainage is one thing that all succulents have in common.
They will quickly perish from damp feet. Succulents grow well on hillsides and raised beds can help with drainage. However, a little summer water will make the majority of succulents look their best. Consider it a sign to water if the leaves start to shrivel. For succulents, deep, infrequent watering is recommended.
Which gardener isn’t interested in free plants? Cuttings from several succulents, including aeonium, senecio, graptopetalum, crassula, and others, will take root. Make sure there is enough stem so that there are nodes. Remove the bottom leaves from cuttings and place them in the light to allow the stem to scab over—no rooting hormone is required. Don’t worry if you leave it outside for too long; it might just start to take root for you. Place them in the ground and give them some time to stay moist but never saturated. Instant plants!
Pups, or small plants that emerge from the roots or layer to root next to the mother plant, can be produced by some echeveria, sedum, and sempervivum plants. Just gently pick them out and plant them again. Some varieties of kalanchoe even go as far as to produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins, which fall off and develop swiftly.
Are your succulent plants wilting? Restart them after stopping them. Keep the stem in place and wait to see whether it sprouts again. Even small leaves in the shape of beans can be made to root by placing them in soil; a tiny plant will then appear after a few weeks.
Making miniature container gardens out of succulents is entertaining. Choose a decorative vessel, such as a charming clay pot, teacup, worn-out shoe or boot, or even a silver-plated sugar bowl. Take some cuttings from your succulents or get some little beginnings at a nursery a few days beforehand. Put as many as you can in, then give them a week or so to settle before giving them as gifts or enjoying them yourself.
Succulents—are they indigenous to Southern California?
Lanceleaf Dudleya and lanceleaf liveforever are common names for the succulent plant Dudleya lanceolata. This plant can be found in rocky places and slopes in the highlands of southern California and Baja California, where it is endemic. The fleshy, pointy leaves on this dudleya come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from a basal rosette of flat, spade-shaped leaves to bunches of longer, thicker leaves. Up to 20 flowers can be seen on each of its few branches, which branch out from the stem’s upright position.
Sedum—is it indigenous to California?
Davidson’s stonecrop, sometimes known as Sedum niveum, is a species of flowering plant in the stonecrop family. It is indigenous to southern California and northern Baja California, where it is recognized by a number of nearby mountain ranges. It grows in a rocky, wooded environment. It is a succulent plant that produces spoon-shaped or oval basal mats with leaves that are no longer than a centimeter. The tiny inflorescence, which can reach a height of up to 9 cm, is home to numerous blooms with white petals that are tinged or veined with…