Tiger Jaws

Faucaria tigrina is endemic to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

• Found in the Albany Thicket and eastern Karoo regions around Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, and the Sundays River Valley
• Occurs at elevations of approximately 200 to 800 meters
• Grows in rocky crevices, shallow soil pockets on quartzite outcrops, and gravelly flats
• The region receives 300 to 500 mm of annual rainfall, distributed throughout the year with slight peaks in spring and autumn
• First described by the German botanist Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1812 as Mesembryanthemum tigrinum
• The Eastern Cape is a major center of succulent diversity in South Africa, with numerous endemic Aizoaceae species
• The species has become rare in habitat due to overcollection and habitat loss

A small, stemless, clump-forming succulent forming rosettes that slowly multiply to create dense clusters.

Leaves:
• Arranged in opposite pairs (dichasium), spreading apart like open jaws
• Each leaf 20 to 50 mm long, 10 to 20 mm wide, thick and fleshy
• Leaf shape ovate to triangular, with a slightly keeled upper surface
• Color bright green to gray-green, sometimes tinged reddish or purple in strong light
• Margins lined with 3 to 7 pairs of prominent, white to pinkish, recurved teeth-like bristles 2 to 5 mm long
• The upper surface may have small white dots (idioblasts)

Flowers:
• Solitary, daisy-like, 30 to 50 mm in diameter — surprisingly large relative to the plant
• Petals numerous, narrow, bright golden-yellow, sometimes with a white center
• Produced in late summer to autumn (February to April in habitat)
• Opening around midday and closing at dusk, repeated over several days

Fruit:
• Small, bell-shaped, hygrochastic capsule typical of Aizoaceae
• Opens when moistened to release tiny seeds

Roots:
• Fibrous root system with a short taproot
• Contractile roots help position the plant at the optimal soil depth

A semi-arid adapted succulent that occupies rocky niches in the Eastern Cape.

Habitat:
• Rocky quartzite outcrops, shallow soil pockets in rock crevices, and gravelly slopes
• Found in Albany Thicket vegetation, which combines succulent and thorny shrub elements
• Often grows in partially shaded positions, tucked between rocks that provide afternoon shade

Adaptations:
• The marginal "teeth" (bristles) serve multiple functions: they partially shade the leaf surface, trap moisture from fog and dew, and channel rainwater toward the root zone
• CAM photosynthesis minimizes water loss
• Compact growth form reduces wind exposure and water loss
• The plant can retract below the soil surface during extreme drought via contractile roots

Pollination and Reproduction:
• Flowers are pollinated by small solitary bees and other native insects attracted to the bright yellow petals
• The midday opening time coincides with peak pollinator activity in the Eastern Cape
• Seeds are minute (less than 1 mm), produced in large numbers, and dispersed by rain
• In cultivation, plants readily produce seed capsules if hand-pollinated

Faucaria tigrina is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Threats:
• The primary threat is illegal collection from the wild — the species is highly sought after by succulent collectors for its distinctive appearance
• Habitat loss due to urban expansion around Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown
• Overgrazing and agricultural transformation of Albany Thicket habitat
• The species has a relatively restricted natural range, making it vulnerable to localized threats
• Urban development and road construction have destroyed several known populations

Conservation Efforts:
• Protected under South Africa's National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
• International trade regulated under CITES Appendix II
• Occurs in some protected areas including the Addo Elephant National Park buffer zones
• Active ex situ conservation programs maintain genetically diverse cultivated stocks
• The species is readily propagated from seed in cultivation, reducing pressure on wild populations

One of the easier mesembs to grow, Faucaria tigrina is an excellent choice for succulent enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Soil:
• Well-draining, gritty succulent mix — use 60 to 70% inorganic material (pumice, perlite, coarse sand) with 30 to 40% quality potting soil
• pH neutral to slightly acidic (6.5 to 7.0)

Light:
• Bright light to partial sun — at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Tolerates some light shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon
• Insufficient light causes elongated growth and loss of the compact jaw shape
• Strong light enhances the red or purple tinge on the leaf tips and margins

Water:
• Water moderately during the growing season (spring to autumn), allowing the soil to dry between waterings
• Reduce watering in winter during the rest period, providing just enough to prevent shriveling
• Avoid getting water in the center of the rosette, as this can cause rot

Temperature:
• Prefers warm conditions (18 to 28°C) during active growth
• Tolerates temperatures down to approximately 0°C for short periods if kept dry
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases

Propagation:
• Easily propagated from seed, sown in spring or summer on a fine sandy surface
• Can also be propagated by division of mature clumps
• Seedlings grow relatively quickly compared to other mesembs and may flower within 2 to 3 years