Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Africa and Arabian Peninsula |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent plant 10-20cm tall |
|---|---|
| Stems | Stems mid-dark green (in semi shade), olive green-dull brown (when exposed to very bright light or full sun); heavy, armed with sharp prickles |
| Flowers | Flowers, 5-8(10)cm wide, appearing towards the growing tips of the prickly stems. Color of petals variable, base color pale cream to dull light yellow, lightly or densely covered with maroon- dark brownish red steaks or spots; with a fringe of maroon hairs on the edges; tips of petals cream to orange brown |
| Fruit | Numerous winged seeds are encased in a twin follicle |
| Taxonomy | Edithcolea is a monotypic genus with a single species, Edithcolea grandis. |
| Etymology | The genus is named after Edith Cole, who first collected the species in a botanical expedition to Somalia from 1894-1895. The common name of 'Persian Carpet Flower' alludes to the richly colored and ornate patterns on the petals that are reminiscent of the woven carpets of the middle east. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Avoid contact with sap as it may cause skin irritation in certain individuals. Keep plants away from children and pets as the thorny stems can cause scratches/ injuries |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Carrion Insects (Carrion Fly, Carrion Beetle)) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Red, Yellow / Golden, Patterned |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32433 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6845 |
| 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. |