Conicosia pugioniformis

Scientific name: Conicosia pugioniformis
Family: AIZOACEAE
Common name: gansies

Plant Description

Beautiful groundcover to add in any garden.

Conicosia pugioniformis is a succulent groundcover that has narrow green leaves. It grows as high as 40cm with a thick taproot and trailing branches with long, triangular angled leaves. The flowers appear between September and November, and they are large, yellow, and beautiful. 

This special plant is called conicosia. The word derives from the Greek word konikos, which refers to the conical shape of the capsule. Pugioniformis refers to the shape of the leaves, which are dagger-shaped.

Growing and maintenance of Conicosia pugioniformis

The plant grows on sandy flats, mostly on the coasts, Namaqualand and the Eastern Cape. It thrives in full sun and can be planted in water-wise, coastal gardens and rockeries. Additionally, it can be used to stabilize the soil. It attracts bees, beetles and other insects.

Propagate from seeds sown in late autumn or early winter.

• Collect seeds when they are ripe.
• Place seeds in a seedling tray filled with a well-drained medium such as sand.
• Spread compost or sand lightly over seeds.
• Seeds must be placed in a room with enough light until germination takes place.
• They normally germinate in two to three weeks.
• Once true leaves begin to appear, pot seedlings into moist but well-draining soil.