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Cosmos atrosanguineus (Hook.) Voss
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Synonyms: | Bidens atrosanguinea (Hook.) Ortgies, Bidens atrosanguineus Ortgies ex Regel, Cosmos atrosanguineus (Ortgies) Hemsl. |
| Common Name: | Chocolate Cosmos, 巧克力大波斯菊, 巧克力秋英 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Annual |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tuberous herb to 80cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves pinnate, dark green. |
| Flowers | Flower heads to 5cm across, dark red to dark reddish brown, with a scent resembling vanilla/ chocolate. |
| Cultivation | This species was first introduced into cultivation in 1835 by William Thompson, the owner of Thompson and Morgan seed merchants. While it was initially grown in many gardens, by the 1970's the only living stock of this species could only be found in the Kew Gardens, and it was also thought to be extinct in the wild. In the 1990's, plants were regenerated via micropropagation methods and attempts were made to reintroduce this species into its native habitat. New populations of this species have subsequently been discovered. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'atrosanguineus' refers to the dark red color of the flowers |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Skyrise / Balcony, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Butterfly, Moth), Insects (Bee)) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Storage Organ |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Plants can be propagated by basal stem cuttings or by division of the tubers |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31136 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5527 |
| 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. |
