Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 2 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Kenya, Swaziland, Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
| CITES Protection | True (Appendix II) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent shrub up to 2 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Minute leaves are produced between the spines and later drop off, leaving the stems to do the bulk of photosynthesis. |
| Stems | Angular stems are winged on 3-4 corners and up to 10 cm wide. The edges are lined with grey to brownish paired, fused spines (3-7 cm long) that form the shape of bull horns. The stem either protrudes below the spines creating an undulating edge or lies flat below the spines. The stem constricts and then expands at regular intervals of about 15 cm long, forming a zigzag pattern. |
| Flowers | Tiny, reduced flowers are arranged in an inflorescence known as a cyathium. The yellow cyathia resemble small, cup-shaped flowers and typically occur in groups of 3 along the tip of the stem. One cyathia is stalkless and composed of only male flowers, while the other 2 are stalked and bisexual. |
| Fruit | Dry, dehiscent fruits are purple capsules with 3 lobes. |
| Habitat | Occurs on hot, dry soils formed from clay, sand or grit deposits from running water. |
| Cultivation | This species should be planted in an area protected from strong winds. Otherwise, the stems may knock against each other and the spines may cause injuries. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Hedge / Screening |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Herbaceous) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Monoecious |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyathium |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31930 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6332 |
| 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. |
