Phyllobolus represent an interesting group of mostly caudex-forming mesembs, now considered part of the genus Mesembryanthemum. This species is one of the more upright-growing members, forming a nice little pachycaul shrub that makes a natural bonsai. In low light, plants have a tendency to get a bit lanky, but can be trimmed back to enhance the chunky tuberous base. A very easy-to-grow plant that’s both caudiciform and mesemb. We have planted specimens in gardens before and seen them explode in as little as a season. An underutilized landscape plant, perfect as a highly drought-tolerant shrub in Mediterranean climates. Even though it's from a strictly winter rainfall climate, specimens watered throughout the summer are capable of retaining some foliage but do stall.
