Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa (Western Cape) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Short succulent with a fan-like shape. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Hard, plastic-like leaves are arranged in 2 files in a fan-like shape. The leaf tips are abruptly truncated and have 'windows' that allow light to penetrate the leaves. |
| Flowers | Greenish white tubular flowers (0.6 cm long) are arranged in a spike inflorescence. The petal-like lobes on the flowers are curved backwards with a green stripe down the middle of most lobes. |
| Fruit | Small, sausage-like fruits (1.3-1.9 cm long) become dry at maturity and split open to release flat, brown seeds. |
| Habitat | Occurs in very arid environments. In nature, the plant is mostly buried underground with only the leaf tips exposed to minimize exposure to the harsh environment. |
| Cultivation | Although this plant is buried underground in nature, it is better to pot the plant with the leaves exposed to prevent rot. To propagate the plant by seed, you can artificially pollinate the plant using a thin paintbrush and pollen from another individual. Seeds should be planted immediately after being collected from mature fruits. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Maintenance Requirements | High |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Sucker |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Very Slow |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Symmetry | Asymmetrical |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Greenish white |
| Flower Size | 0.6 cm |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29942 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4251 |
| 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. |
