Twoleaf Clockfig

This species is only known from a single population located in the Namaqualand shale shrubland within a 20 km² area. This species typically grows on shale flats or on gneiss slopes. The plant is named for its peculiar habit of producing two alternating leaves that are completely different in appearance, one set which lays flat on the ground during the active growth period and a completely different set of resting leaves during the plant's dormant period which point upwards and enclose the next season's active growth leaves. As the plants mature, the flat, ground hugging leaves become more oval in shape and much larger and thicker, and take on a reddish coloration as camouflage, which allows the plant to blend into it's environment. The plant produces yellow flowers during it's autumn and winter growing period. The plants go completely dormant in the summer months, and if grown in cultivation, will rot and die if they receive too much moisture during their summer dormancy period. Like most members of the genus Cheiridopsis, this species is not cold tolerant and must be protected from frost and freezing temperatures in cultivation. Only a few specific species, such as Cheiridopsis candidissima or Cheiridopsis herrei, can survive brief, light overnight frost down to 23°F to 25°F (-4°C to -5°C).