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Dyckia brevifolia Baker
| Family Name: | Bromeliaceae |
| Synonyms: | Dyckia gemellaria, Dyckia sulphurea, Dyckia princeps |
| Common Name: | Pineapple Dyckia, Sawblade, 厚葉鳳梨 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Dense rosette of linear, succulent leaves. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Thick, fleshy leaves are narrow and linear. Leaf margin is lined with sharp spines that often have black tips. Leaf underside has a silvery, striated pattern. |
| Flowers | This species produces a spike inflorescence composed of yellow to yellow-orange, tubular flowers (1.3 cm long). |
| Similar | This plant somewhat resembles Aloe vera. |
| Cultivation | Fertilize biweekly with half-strength balanced fertilizer. Water the potting media thoroughly and then allow it to dry before re-watering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Sucker |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Foliar Modification | Spine (marginal) |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Margin | Spiny |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Flowering Habit | Monocarpic |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellow-orange |
| Flowering Period Remarks | After 5 or more years, it blooms once and then the plant dies. |
| Typical Flowering Age | 5 years |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31533 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5932 |
| 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. |