Monsonia is a genus of plants in the family Geraniaceae and covers all 14 species of the former genus Sarcocaulon. It is named after Lady Anne Monson, an English botanist and collector of plants and insects around Cape Town, South Africa. The genus consists of herbs or undershrubs, often with simple stems from woody rootstock or a deep taproot.
Species within this genus are distributed across Africa, western Asia, and eastern India. They occur in regions where dry climatic conditions prevail and are found on rocky hillsides or mountainsides, gravel, outcrops of weathered quartzite, and red dune sands.
Plants in the Geraniaceae family have long been widely cultivated for their horticultural value, and enthusiasts of succulents highly seek out members of Monsonia. The fleshy branches of these plants are covered in wax, making them flammable. They can even be used as kindling to ignite fires, even when wet.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Monsonia species are generally easy to grow. However, except for Monsonia camdeboensis and Monsonia vanderietiae, they rarely develop an extensive new root system after being transplanted. Although transplanted specimens may flower sporadically in cultivation, they can survive for many years.
Seed-grown plants thrive and produce abundant flowers when cultivated correctly. The ideal medium for most species consists of silt collected from the sides of road culverts, mixed with a small amount of bone meal and some ordinary sandy garden soil. Seeds should be sown just below the soil surface in large seed trays and transplanted into individual containers when they are approximately two years old.
All Monsonia species require direct sunlight during their active growth phase. Seedlings need to be watered regularly while growing and occasionally during their dormancy period.
Monsonia salmoniflora holds significant potential for the landscaping trade. This species is relatively easy and quick to grow from seed and has a long lifespan.
Source: pza.sanbi.org
Links
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