Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.4 m to 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small succulent plant with erect growth form. |
|---|---|
| Roots | Young roots are red with white tips. |
| Foliage | Fleshy, oval-shaped leaves are densely covered in whitish hairs. Leaf tips have a scalloped edge with dark brown spots. In mature plants, the young leaves are whitish and erect, while the older leaves are light green, less fuzzy and more horizontal. |
| Flowers | Greenish white flowers. |
| Cultivation | Water plants thoroughly, but then allow the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out before re-watering. Feed with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis. Plants should be potted in soil with good drainage, like cactus potting mix. This plant is easy-to-grow and well-suited for beginners. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Suitable for Rooftops, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Silver Garden, Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Poor Infertile Soils, Shallow Media |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Herbaceous), Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Brown, Green, Silver / Grey, White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose, Hairy / Hirsute, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Doubly Serrate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Aboveground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Campaulate / Bell-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flowering Period Remarks | Typically does not bloom indoors. |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Numerous (>20) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29140 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3449 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
