Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 30 cm to 45 cm |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 50 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent herb forming clumps of erect stems up to 45 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, thick leaves are round. They are typically arranged in 4 neat columns in a cross-shaped pattern centered around the stem and clustered near the stem tips. |
| Stems | Round, thick stem is about 1.9 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Yellow, cup-shaped flowers are arranged in clusters at the stem tips. |
| Fruit | Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as capsules. They are shaped like a tear drop and contain dark brown to black, slightly sticky seeds. |
| Habitat | This rare species is native only to Hawaii and found in only 2 locations. It occurs on rocky slopes and at the base of sea cliffs. |
| Cultivation | In Singapore, this plant needs air-conditioning to survive. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Planting Remarks | In Singapore, this species requires an air-conditioned environment. |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Tip) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Orbicular / Round) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Sticky |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31932 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6334 |
| 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. |
