Scientific Name
Lenophyllum latum Moran
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Lenophyllum
Description
Lenophyllum latum is a much-branched succulent with erect stems that branch near the base and bear green or often purple-red-tinged leaves. The stems are initially green but become tan and checked as they form bark. They can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The leaves are elliptic-ovate, flattish to broadly channeled ventrally, measuring up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide.
The inflorescence is a narrow thyrse of 10 to 35 alternate branches with 1 to 4 flowers. The thyrse is up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 0.12 inches (0.3 cm) in diameter. The flowers are light or greenish-yellow, sometimes strongly marked with red on the keel above, and appear in fall.
Origin
Lenophyllum latum is native to Mexico (Nuevo León and Tamaulipas).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most desert plants, Lenophyllum is drought-tolerant and does not tolerate wet soils, especially in winter. Its small tufted habit makes Lenophyllum a great plant for a southwestern-themed rock garden or container. And, of course, they are great plants for green roofs. Once established, it will produce stalks with small yellow flowers.
Repotting is not very practiced because it is likely to lose the ornamental aspect of the plant. Being small plants, however, is generally not necessary. Pruning is usually limited to the elimination of damaged parts.
Plants of the genus Lenophyllum multiply well by seed, cuttings, or division of the bushes.
Lenophyllum is easy to propagate by simply sticking a leaf in a pot of soil. The leaf will root in and start growing with little care.
Sow at a temperature of 66 to 75 °F (19 to 24 °C), using a damp mix and damp sand in a shaded area, and be careful not to water too much until germination.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lenophyllum.
Links
- Back to genus Lenophyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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