Mesembryanthemum digitatum
Mesembryanthemum digitatum, or finger-and-thumb plant, is a stemless succulent from South Africa. Each shoot carries 2–4 thick, waxy leaves that look like fingers, forming a compact clump. The leaves stay short—about 10 cm high—and the plant has bladder cells in its skin to help retain water during drought. It produces white or cream flowers in late winter. The flowers have fused parts that form slim tubes around a central nectar area. After flowering, it makes fruits with five chambers and light brown seeds. The roots grow in bundles.
The name digitatum comes from Latin and means “having fingers,” a nod to the leaf shape. This plant is native to the Cape Province, especially the Karoo, where winters are wet and the soil is rocky or sandy. It loves warm, dry conditions, bright sun, and well-draining soil, and it does not like to be overwatered. Water only when the soil is completely dry, and keep it outdoors in sun or near a sunny window, but protect it from frost.
Seeds can be planted in late spring after the last frost, around May in many areas. Germination takes about three weeks.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 01:14 (CET).