Scientific Name
Monsonia salmoniflora (Moffett) F.Albers
Common Name(s)
Bushman's Candle
Synonym(s)
Sarcocaulon l'heritieri var. brevimucronatum, Sarcocaulon salmoniflorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Monsonia
Description
Monsonia patersonii is a succulent shrublet with spiny, erect to spreading-ascending stems. It grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. Stems are up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) across and vary in color from pink to orange.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Monsonia species are generally easy to cultivate. Except for Monsonia camdeboensis and Monsonia vanderietiae, they rarely produce an extensive new root system once transplanted. Transplanted specimens flower sporadically in cultivation but survive for many years.
Seed-grown plants, in contrast, thrive and flower prolifically in cultivation. The ideal cultivation medium for most species is silt collected from the sides of road culverts, to which a small amount of bone meal and some ordinary, sandy garden soil has been added. Seeds should be sown just under the surface of the soil in large seed trays. They should be planted out into individual containers when they are about two years old.
All Monsonia species require direct sunlight when in full growth. Seedlings need to be regularly watered while they are in active growth and occasionally during dormancy.
Monsonia salmoniflora has a good deal of potential for the landscaping trade. The species is easily and relatively quickly grown from seeds, and long-lived.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Monsonia.
Origin
Monsonia salmoniflora is native to southern Namibia and the Cape Province of South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Monsonia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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