Pterodiscus speciosus

Scientific Name

Pterodiscus speciosus Hook.

Synonym(s)

Harpagophyton pinnatifidum

Scientific Classification

Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Pterodiscus

Description

Pterodiscus speciosus is a small shrub with a tuberous caudex underground in the wild but often raised in cultivation. The tuber is bright yellow, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, and up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Branches are deciduous and generally die in winter when the plant is dormant. They are erect, slender, arising from the tuber, and up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Flowers are tubular and bright red-purple, purplish-pink to yellowish pink, and appear in summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Pterodiscus, Sesamothamnus, and Uncarina are all members of the Sesame family. However, despite the relative ease of growing many of them, they are all still relatively uncommon succulents.

One reason that Uncarinas are not common in cultivation is that the seed does not germinate easily. Propagation by cuttings is not a substitute because they do not root easily either. In short, Uncarina is a difficult plant to propagate.

But, once you have managed to get yourself one, it is relatively easy to grow. It needs plenty of warmth and plenty of water in the growing season, but keep it dry in the winter. They can grow up to 13 feet (4 m) in the wild, but do not expect that in your greenhouse or window sill.

Uncarinas are tender, cannot endure temperatures below 35 ° F (2 °C). If grown outdoors, they will probably grow back from roots if frozen. They are quite heat-tolerant. Uncarinas need rich, very well-drained potting soil. Use diluted fertilizer on young plants to speed up growth. This plant blooms easily, and when covered with flowers, it is a striking vision. The seed capsules feature small hooked harpoons.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Uncarina.

Origin

This succulent is native to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.