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1.Tiger's Jaw — Overview
Faucaria tigrina is commonly known as 'Tiger Jaws' or 'Shark Jaws.' It is a distinctive, low-growing succulent in the Aizoaceae family. This captivating plant is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, where it thrives within the Albany Thicket vegetation type. Its morphology features stemless rosettes that typically reach about 80mm in diameter. The common name comes from its unique, fleshy, triangular leaves.
These grow in opposing pairs and bear prominent, soft, threadlike 'teeth' along their margins, strikingly like a carnivorous animal's fangs. These specialized structures are not for defense. Instead, they are an ingenious adaptation to its arid environment. They condense atmospheric water vapor from coastal fogs and direct it toward the plant's roots, which aids moisture acquisition.
The leaves vary in color from vibrant light green to deeper shades of green. Under intense sunlight, they may even develop pinkish-red to purple hues. Small white spots often adorn them and give them a slightly rough texture. Older specimens may show a short, woody stem formed by persistent dried leaves.
Flowering occurs mainly from autumn through winter. It produces large, solitary, bright yellow, daisy-like blossoms that emerge from the center of the rosette and add a striking contrast to the foliage. After successful pollination, the plant develops hard fruit capsules typical of the Aizoaceae family, each holding numerous tiny seeds.
Francis Masson first documented Faucaria tigrina in 1789. Adrian Haworth later identified it as a new species. The plant is valued mainly for its ornamental appeal in horticulture, especially in xeriscaping and succulent collections worldwide.
Its conservation status, however, is a concern. The Red List of South African Plants lists it as Endangered. It faces threats from urban development and over-grazing in its restricted natural habitat.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Faucaria tigrina
1.1 Wikipedia — Faucaria tigrina
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.1.Tiger's Jaw — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Botanical Name</strong> — *Faucaria tigrina* (Haw.) Schwantes.
- ✓ <strong>Common Names</strong> — Tiger's Jaw, Shark's Jaws, Tierbekvygie.
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Aizoaceae (commonly known as the stone plant or ice plant family).
- ✓ <strong>Native Region</strong> — Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- ✓ <strong>Leaf Morphology</strong> — Fleshy, triangular leaves with soft, threadlike marginal teeth.
- ✓ <strong>Flower Characteristics</strong> — Large, bright yellow, solitary flowers blooming in autumn and winter.
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — Small, stemless, clumping succulent forming dense rosettes.
- ✓ <strong>Drought Tolerance</strong> — Exceptionally well-adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.
- ✓ <strong>Conservation Status</strong> — Listed as Endangered on the Red List of South African Plants.
- ✓ <strong>Ornamental Appeal</strong> — Highly prized for its unique aesthetics in succulent collections and arid garden designs.
1.2.Tiger's Jaw — Quick Summary
- ✓ Unique 'Tiger Jaws' Appearance — Distinctive triangular leaves with prominent teeth.
- ✓ Native to South Africa — Endemic to the Eastern Cape, thriving in arid thickets.
- ✓ Highly Valued Ornamentally — A popular succulent for collectors and xeriscaping.
- ✓ Endangered Species — Faces significant threats in its natural habitat.
- ✓ Minimal Medicinal Research — Primarily ornamental with unexplored therapeutic potential.
- ✓ Adaptations for Arid Survival — Leaf structures aid in atmospheric moisture collection.
2.Tiger's Jaw — Scientific Identity
3.Tiger's Jaw — Quick Facts
4.Tiger's Jaw — Appearance & Identification
5.Tiger's Jaw — Native Habitat
6.Tiger's Jaw — Water Requirements
- ✓ Seed Propagation — Sow seeds in autumn using a specialized mix of two parts sterilized potting soil, one part 3mm sieved pumice, and one part sand.
- ✓ Soil Preparation — Heat the soil mixture at 70°C for two hours, then allow it to rest for a week before sowing for optimal sterilization.
- ✓ Watering Seedlings — Water germinating seedlings twice daily with a fine mist, optionally with diluted fertilizer, and maintain humidity with a plastic cover initially.
- ✓ Established Plant Watering — Once established, water lightly but frequently, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings to prevent prolonged dampness.
- ✓ Winter Care — During winter dormancy, reduce watering to very occasional and light applications, primarily for dusting and deterring red spiders.
- ✓ Optimal Soil for Mature Plants — Use a well-draining medium for mature plants, typically two parts loam, one part coarse sand, and one part pumice.
- ✓ Pest Management — Mist plants daily to deter red spiders; mulch seedlings with grit to prevent burrowing insects and algae; consider systemic insecticide twice a year as a preventative measure.
- ✓ Fungal Prevention — Ensure good air circulation and correct watering to prevent fungal issues; promptly cut off any rotting plant parts to prevent spread.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 21, 2026
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