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Date: January 18, 2025
Time: 10AM Pacific Time (California)
About our Speaker
Matthew Opel is a botanist based in Connecticut with a lifelong fascination for succulent plants, particularly the desert flora of South Africa—a region he has explored extensively for research. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology and botany from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut, where his studies focused on the evolution and morphology of Conophytum, a captivating genus of “living stones.”
Currently, Matt serves as the Collections Scientist at the UConn Botanical Conservatory, where he oversees and curates diverse plant collections. In recognition of his contributions to botany, a dwarf tuberous succulent, Tylecodon opelii, has been named in his honor.
Exploring Winter-Growing Mesembs
Dive into the fascinating world of mesembs—the ice plants, living stones, and vygies—succulents belonging to the Aizoaceae family. These unique plants thrive in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, with their greatest diversity found in the winter-rainfall zones of South Africa’s Cape provinces.
Join Matt Opel as he explores the remarkable diversity, ecological adaptations, and cultivation techniques for winter-growing mesembs. The presentation will highlight species beloved by succulent enthusiasts and unveil rare gems seldom seen beyond their native habitats.
Recording
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Photo Credits: Matthew R. Opel
