Scientific Name
Fockea angustifolia K.Schum.
Synonym(s)
Cynanchum omissum, Fockea dammarana, Fockea lugardii, Fockea mildbraedii, Fockea monroi, Fockea sessiliflora, Fockea tugelensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Fockeeae
Genus: Fockea
Etymology
The specific epithet "angustifolia (an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh)" means "narrow-leaved" and refers to the narrow leaves of this species.
Origin
Fockea angustifolia is native to Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Description
Fockea angustifolia is a caudiciform plant with erect or climbing stems growing from a large tuber. The stems are slender and woody, and can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) long. They support themselves by twining around other plants or supporting structures. The tuber can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and 16 inches (40 cm) in length. The leaves are green, elliptic or ovate, and can measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers appear from late summer to early fall. They have five greenish, narrow, twisted outer lobes and white inner ones that are shorter.
How to Grow and Care for Fockea angustifolia
Light: These plants prefer partial shade. They can tolerate full sun but need a little sun protection during the hottest part of the day.
Soil: A fast-draining soil mix is the best soil for your Fockea to drain excess water.
Hardiness: Fockea angustifolia can withstand temperatures as low as 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.
Watering: During the growing season, from spring to fall, water regularly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter. Water it only enough to prevent the shriveling of the tuber.
Fertilizing: To force tuber growth, feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer with a lower potassium level only during the growing season.
Propagation: Fockea plants are relatively easy to grow from seeds. They are dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to produce seeds. Vegetative propagation is difficult to impossible.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Fockea.
Toxicity of Fockea angustifolia
Fockeas are known as food plants, but the tuber has milky sap, which is said to be poisonous. Avoid contact with skin or eyes, and keep away from children and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Fockea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
