This is not really a tree at all, but rather a small, squat succulent plant that occurs on dry, rocky hillsides in the South African Cape Province. Being a plant from a semi-desert area, this plant is able to thrive in the hottest temperatures, and can even survive light frosts.
Being a succulent plant with soft bark and wood, this tree can not really be wired, but should rather be shaped with regular hand pruning.
Height: 1-2m in height, not usually taller than 3m.
Bark: Grey-green in colour, succulent and smooth.
Leaves: Leaves are almost round, to broadly ovate, approximately 3x3cm in size. Leaves are thick and fleshy, with a grey waxy bloom. Has a tapering base, with a rounded or obscure sharp apex. The margin is entire and is often reddish rimmed. Petiole is absent.
Flowers: Flowering from September to November with white to pink flowers in dense, branched, almost spherical heads.
Fruit: Fruit appears between November and January. They small (6cm long) with 3-5 seperate, oval, sharply tipped follicles remaining among the dried remains of the persistent petals.
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