Description:

• Tufted perennials, often with visible internodes, up to 200 mm high
• Leaves opposite, crowded, ± club-shaped, nearly terete at base, upper surface ± flat towards apex, bluish green
• Flowers solitary, terminal, 30-50 mm in diameter; peduncle ± as long as leaves; opening in afternoon
• Sepals 4, unequal
• Petals in several series, sometimes obtuse or emarginate, uniformly red to red with a white centre
• Stamens white or red, with red anthers
• Ovary 10-12-locular, with parietal placentas; stigmas as many as locules, diverging
• Fruit and seeds unknown

• Distinguishing characters:
  • Plants may be distinguished by their bluish green, ± club-shaped, angled leaves with blunt tips
  • Capsules 10-12-locular

Classification Notes:

• The genus is based on cultivated specimens described originally by Haworth in 1794 under Mesembryanthemum and has not since been definitely identified

Nomenclature:

• Calamophyllum Schwantes
  • Schwantes: 15, 28 (1927)
  • Herre: 98 (1971)
  • Smith et al.: 204 (1998)

Distribution & Notes:

• Southern Africa: Species 3, natural distribution is unknown