Tiger Jaws
Faucaria tigrina
Tiger's-Jaw, Shark-Jaws
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1 of 8
Faucaria tigrina is a small, stemless succulent, with light green fleshy leaves with somewhat ferocious-looking teeth on the margins. These long, white, sabre-like teeth are not used for defence, but to collect water. The threadlike structures are special adaptations that help to collect water vapour from the surrounding air and direct it down toward the roots of the plant. Flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like, around 4cm across.
Related Plants
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Autumn, Winter
Fruiting time
Spring
Harvesting
Generally not harvested.
Propagation
Seed
Sow seed in spring or autumn in well draining sand medium.
Suckers
Remove little plants growing off the sides as soon as they are mature enough.
Division
Divide clumps of rosettes as they become too thick.
Special features
Pot plant
Can be grown in containers, use recommended medium for fully grown plants, two parts loam, one part coarse sand and one part pumice.
Drought resistant
These plants are well adapted to dry conditions.
Indoor plant
Special features
Origin
Africa, South Africa, Albany Thicket of the Eastern Cape Province.
Natural climate
Subtropical
Environment
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Neutral, Acid
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Ornamental
Of all the Faucaria species, F. tigrina is the most popular horticultural subject, due to the fact that it is really easy to grow and its unusual, quirky appearance.
Personality
Family
Aizoaceae
Flower colour
Yellow
Scent
None
Problems
Should be free of problems if planted in well-draining soil in an environment with good air movement.
Companion plants
Plant with other succulents.
Credits
Faucaria tigrina
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by Sarah-Leigh Hutchinson, Kirstenbosch National Botanical garden, August 2014 (Copyright South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa)
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