Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
| CITES Protection | True |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent shrub with a thick, swollen stem. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, glossy leaves are narrowly oblong and spirally arranged in a cluster at the branch tips. |
| Stems | The swollen base of the stem, known as the caudex, stores water and helps the plant survive drought. The spineless base of the stem splits to form branches with spines arranged in vertical rows. The conical, thick spines are arranged in pairs. |
| Flowers | Bright yellow, large flowers are not fragrant (7 cm wide). They are borne on long floral stalks in clusters near the top of the plant. |
| Cultivation | This species grows best at high temperatures of 27-35 degrees Celsius. Pinching the growth tips while the plant is still young helps to encourage branching. Gently squeeze the stem periodically to make sure it remains turgid, because loss of turgor can lead to stem rot, especially if temperatures are cool. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Trunk, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Suitable for Bonsai |
| Thematic Landscaping | Zen / Minimalist Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Trunk |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Slow |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Size | 7 cm |
References
| References | de Vosjoli, P.. 2004. Pachyforms: A Guide to Growing Pachycaul and Caudiciform Plants. USA: Advanced Visions Inc.. 319 pp. |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31849 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6249 |
| 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. |
