Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A succulent species that forms rosettes in small clumps. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, glossy leaves are dark green with many whitish to light green spots (5-10.3 cm long, 2-3 cm wide). When grown under full sun, leaves develop a bright red tint. Leaf margin is lined with white or reddish brown, triangular spines (1 mm long). |
| Flowers | Tubular flowers with 5 narrowly triangular lobes are red near the base and cream with a green midstripe near the tip. They are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence known as a raceme which is borne on a floral stalk up to 0.6 m tall. Flowers are attached to the floral stalk by mini stalks known as pedicels, differentiating it from a spike inflorescence where flowers lack pedicels and are directly attached to the floral stalk. |
| Habitat | Found on granite rocks along the northern coast of Madagascar at about sea level. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Bluish Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Thick |
| 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 |
| Foliar Margin | Spiny |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31855 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6255 |
| 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. |
