Cylindrophyllum species stand out within the mesemb family for their striking, upright, slender leaves—a rare look among their relatives. Native to the Little Karoo in the Western Cape of South Africa, these small bushes are a classic part of the arid African landscape, often scattered as isolated shrubs dotting vast, dry plains. The genus name literally means "cylindrical leaf," perfectly capturing the unique shape that makes them so intriguing. Out of just five Cylindrophyllum species, comptonii has leaves that reach about 8 to 10 cm in length, while the entire bush can grow up to roughly 25 cm tall. Its somewhat flattened leaves take on a reddish-purple tip when stressed, reminiscent of the look of S. pachyphyllum . As for the flowers—which fit the mesemb image with their thin and delicate white petals—they're rather eye-catching for the group, growing up to 7.5 cm in diameter. It would be a treat to see them in person! This plant is winter-growing, going dormant through the summer months.

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  3,700JPY