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In several respects remarkable is Sarcocaulon vanderitiae, a plant from the family of GERIANACEAE. All 14 species of the genus grow in the drought regions of South-Africa and due to a wax coating on the bark they are capable to survive long periods –sometimes even years – without watering.

In different publications the plants are classified as " growing in winter and therefore difficult in cultivation". Contrary to this opinion, systematic tests let us find out, that seedlings grow and flower without any problem, if the plants are staying absolutely dry at temperatures about 10-12°C (not lower!) and you start watering with small amounts but not before the plant show you a new live, depending of weather, maybe in March or April.
The growing (and flowering) period can last in good conditions until October . The approaching dormant time can be recognized easily by start of leaves falling.

We like this plant for its compact shape like a bonsai and for free flowering with white flowers of about 2,5 cm diameter during the summer months. Furthermore the growing conditions are very similar to most of cacti and other succulents so every collector of such plants will enjoy them all the more than three years old seedlings start flowering.

Another remarkable fact and not found in literature is the reaction of pollination. If the pollination was successful the stem of flower shows two kinks. It looks like a "check off of pollination" and seeds can be expected. In other case the stem of flower and pistil remain aligned.