Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Fountain (Palm-like) |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Inland Cliff) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent plant up to 0.3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The foliage resembles that of green onion leaves except they are much more narrow and coiled at the tip. |
| Stems | The stem is a round, green bulb that occurs aboveground. |
| Flowers | The daffodil-like, nodding flowers are composed of 6 greenish yellow tepals (the collection of petals and sepals which also look like petals). The 3 outer tepals are spread out radially, while the 3 inner tepals join together to form a tube-like structure. |
| Fruit | The dry, dehiscent fruit is known as a capsule and has 3 lobes. It contains shiny, black seeds. |
| Similar | This species is sometimes confused with Albuca spiralis, because both species can have coiled, strand-like leaves. |
| Cultivation | The strand-like leaves of Albuca namaquensis become coiled at the tips when the plant is exposed to bright light and dry soil conditions. |
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 |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Low Humidity / Aircon |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Hairy / Hirsute, Rough, Scaly |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Campaulate / Bell-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33656 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8070 |
| 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. |
