Capsule Collar

One of the succulent plants that grow in the desert is the capsule collar. It is a low growing plant with round "leafs" that sit in a circle. They are filled with a gel that can be used for many different occasions, for example cooking and medicine.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This plant is made up of a ring of thick, round leaves. They grow in rings made up of 5-8 "pearls", with additional rings around when it grows bigger. The capsule collar is jade green and can get spots with a lighter, more beige green or grow darker on the underside, closer to a brown or rust red hue.

Genetics and Reproduction

The capsule collar reproduces by offsets. They shoot up from under the ground and are clones of the mother plant.

Growth Rate & Stages

The mother plant shoots out roots that become a small offset under ground. It emerges above ground and grows in size and number of "pearls". When it has grown to about 3 cm tall, the plant starts to develop offsets as a ring around itself. A new string of pearls emerges around the first.
The biggest capsule collar recorded had 5 rings, with a total diameter of 37 cm.

Ecology and Habitats

This plant grows in an arid climate, in sand and/or rocky terrain. They like to grow on the east side of dunes and rocks.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Because of the environment this plant grows in, water and moisture is scarce. In the night and morning, the form of the plant catches moisture in the middle of its' ring. It also suck up moisture and other nutrients from its' roots. The moisture is stored in the pearls, and if they become to dry they crinkle and turn soft.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The gel inside the leaves can be used for both cooking and medicine. The gel has a cooling effect and can treat minor burns and rashes, while adding nutrition when cooked into a meal.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

It grows in dry and arid areas, usually in sand or dirt.

by Agnes Eriksson

Average Height

3 cm

Average Length

15 cm Ø on the collar
2-3 cm Ø on an individual capsule

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The plant is green with a lighter green on the top and spots of rusty red/brown near the bottom.

Geographic Distribution

• J'ru Desert
• P'tin