About Frithia pulchra N.E.Br.
Common Name and Taxonomy
Frithia pulchra, commonly known as fairy elephant's feet, is a species of flowering plant in the fig‑marigold family Aizoaceae.
Endemism and Conservation Status
It is endemic to Gauteng Province, South Africa, where the IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.
Native Habitat
Its native natural habitat is temperate grassland that receives high rainfall in summer.
Growth Form and Size
This is a tiny, stemless succulent that only reaches 10 cm (3.9 in) in height and 20 cm (7.9 in) in width.
Leaves and Flowers
It has bulbous oblong leaves with leaf windows at the leaf tips, and produces daisy-like magenta and white flowers in summer.
Drought Adaptation
During periods of drought, it can shrink to sit beneath the soil surface, which protects it from excessive drying out, but also makes the plant extremely hard to locate.
Eponym Origin
It is named in honor of Frank Frith, a Johannesburg gardener who showed specimens of the plant to botanist N.E. Brown of Kew Gardens during Frith's 1925 visit to London, UK.
Specific Epithet Meaning
The Latin specific epithet pulchra translates to "beautiful".
Cultivation Requirements
This plant cannot survive frosts, so it must be cultivated under glass in temperate regions.
Horticultural Award
In the United Kingdom, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
