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 |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent forming tight clumps. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Thick, triangular leaves may be elongated or short. The leaf margin is lined with soft, whitish teeth, resembling an animal's jaw. The lower leaf surface extends past the upper leaf surface at the tip, forming a chin-like structure. Leaf arrangement is opposite, and leaf surface is rough or has white, round tubercles. |
| Flowers | Yellow flowers grow up to 5 cm wide. |
| Cultivation | In Singapore, this species requires air conditioning to survive. Plants that are exposed to hot, humid weather are not likely to flower, may go dormant and eventually die. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
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 air conditioning to survive. |
| Propagation Method | Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Rough, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flower Size | 5 cm |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31508 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5905 |
| 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. |