Aeonium leucoblepharum

Aeonium leucoblepharum stands out in the large tribe of Aeoniums. It is one of only two species from East Africa, where there are different forms depending on the country of origin. It thus forms a small compact bush, generally 70-80cm (27.6-31.5 in) tall, or even a bit taller, particularly decorative with its rosettes of geometrically-shaped leaves. These leaves are green with a reddish streak in the middle, and can turn pink or have an orange margin depending on the strains. Native to high-altitude forests, it is one of the few Aeoniums that thrives in semi-shade and even fears direct summer sunlight in Mediterranean climates! Not very hardy, it can easily be grown in a pot anywhere in France.

Aeoniums are succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family, which comprises about 1500 species, many of which have ornamental value. Everyone knows the popular Kalanchoes with their vibrant flower bouquets that brighten up our interiors, or Echeverias that have had their heyday in mosaic art, while Sedums are essential for green roofs... We could also mention the friendly Joubarbes, or Sempervivum, which are part of our spontaneous flora despite their exotic appearance, and many others.

Aeoniums have a family resemblance that makes them easy to identify, at least as a genus, but when it comes to species or variety, it becomes more difficult. And in the case of Aeonium leucoblepharum, it is even less obvious, because there are different strains depending on the geographic origin of the mother plant. Unlike most native species of the Canary Islands, this one is one of only two that live in East Africa. It is found in countries such as Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, or Kenya, where it grows in mountainous and forested regions at medium altitudes (1500 to 3500 metres (4921 feet 4 inches to 11482 feet 11 inches)). This diversity of origin is reflected in variable morphologies, both in terms of habit, which can range from 50cm (19.7in) to two metres tall, more or less erect or rather trailing, or slightly creeping, and in terms of leaf colours.

Depending on the strain of origin, the leaves of this branched succulent, organized in rosettes (with a very decorative appearance), have more or less acuminate tips and variable colours. They can be predominantly green or yellow-green, then turn pink afterwards, or be ornamented with orange, almost always with a reddish streak in the middle. The leaves can be relatively large, up to 12cm (4.7in) long and 3.5cm (1.4in) wide, and are extremely decorative due to the juxtaposition of colours. This Aeonium also produces small decorative flowers, about 1.5cm (0.6in) in diameter, grouped in yellow, or even reddish, inflorescences.

Another uniqueness of Aeonium leucoblepharum lies in its original habitat, which allows it to tolerate a certain atmospheric humidity and even appreciate receiving some regular watering in summer. In the Mediterranean, where the sun is scorching, it is best to avoid direct exposure, and it is better to place it in semi-shade. Compact enough in cultivation, it will easily accept being grown in a pot so that it can be brought indoors in a frost-free room in winter.

Aeoniums are a choice for succulent enthusiasts, and this colourful species will delight them with its geometric foliage with a very graphic design. Planted in a pot, it will fit perfectly in a contemporary environment, and in climates mild enough to accommodate it in the ground, such as the French Riviera, it will be a point of interest in a dry garden. Combine it with other "desert" plants that also stand out for their particular geometry, such as Opuntia microdasys with its small grey-green prickly pear pads punctuated by whitish cushions of spines. The sculptural Agave victoriae-reginae with its perfect geometry will also be an excellent companion, as well as Cylindropuntia imbricata, which unlike the others is very resistant to cold and especially remarkable for its unique graphic habit, thanks to its branched "branches" made of cylindrical segments that visually differ from the classic pads of Opuntias.