Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Plant Shape | Rounded, Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Somalia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Semi spherical - spherical leafless stem succulent to 8cm tall; occasionally becoming knobbly with age. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Corolla tube white - pale green; corolla lobes reddish brown, dark red or maroon, with short, tufted, hair like appendages at the tip. |
| Fruit | Twin follicles to 8cm in length |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Pungent Scent - Flowers |
| 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 sap could be toxic. |
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 |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water, [Remarks] (Grow this species under a well ventilated, sheltered area that will not be exposed to rain. Do not overwater as this species is prone to rotting.) |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Low Humidity / Aircon |
| Planting Remarks | Prefers coarse, well drained media |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Fertilizing | Slow release fertilizer pellets should be added to the media. |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Waxy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | A Few Times Yearly |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31059 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5446 |
| 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. |
