Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Namibia, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | The cylindrical leaves are arranged in a rosette. The tip of the leaf is flattened and translucent, allowing light to penetrate. In nature, the leaves are mostly belowground with only the tips aboveground. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Large, yellow flowers resemble daisy flowers. They occur singly on a thick stalk that positions them about 5-10 cm above the leaves. |
| Cultivation | It should be planted in very well-drained soil, such as sandy soil or a 1:1 mix of potting soil and pumice/ perlite. Overwatering will lead to root rot and leaf splitting. In Singapore, this plant is best grown indoors in bright, indirect light, because our hot, humid climate is very different from its native climate of seasonal rain and generally arid conditions. |
| Etymology | The genus Fenestraria comes from the Latin word for window ('fenestra'), referring to the translucent leaf tips. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Thick |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth, Thick |
| Foliar Modification | Storage Organ |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Truncate |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33674 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8088 |
| 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. |