Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded |
| Maximum Height | 4 cm |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 5 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Namibia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small, succulent plant composed of two leaves fused together. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, fleshy leaves are subcylindrical with the upper surface hemispherical and slightly rounded. The upper surface is light pink to purplish brown overlaid with a light brown, intricate, net-like pattern. The 2 leaves are fused together, but slightly separated at the top by a depression 2-3 mm deep. |
| Flowers | Bright yellow flowers are daisy-like. One flower is produced at a time. |
| Fruit | Seed capsules are composed of 5 obovate compartments. Each compartment holds numerous, yellow-brown oval seeds. The capsules open when exposed to water. |
| Cultivation | In Singapore, this subspecies requires air conditioning to survive. It needs little maintenance, but is sensitive to overwatering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
| Planting Remarks | In Singapore, this subspecies requires air conditioning to survive. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Pink, Patterned |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Reniform) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Typical Foliar Size | 2 cm to 3 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flower Size | 3.6 cm |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Rough, Bumpy / Tuberculate |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Seed Description | Small, oval seeds. |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Numerous (>20) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31358 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5755 |
| 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. |