Scientific Name
Sarcocaulon salmoniflorum Moffett
Synonym(s)
Monsonia salmoniflora, Sarcocaulon lheritieri var. brevimucronatum
Common Name(s)
Bushman's Candle
Scientific Classification
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Sarcocaulon
Etymology
The specific epithet "salmoniflorum" (pronounced "sal-mo-nee-FLOH-rum") means "salmon-flowered; having salmon-colored flowers" and refers to the often salmon-colored flowers of this species.
Origin
Sarcocaulon salmoniflorum is native to southern Namibia and the Cape Province of South Africa.
Description
Sarcocaulon salmoniflorum, formerly known as Monsonia salmoniflora, is a succulent shrublet with spiny, erect to spreading-ascending stems. It can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall, with stems up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are variable in color, ranging from white to various shades of yellow, peach, and salmon. They can reach a diameter of 1.2 inches (3 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Sarcocaulon salmoniflorum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 watered regularly during active growth and occasionally during dormancy.
Monsonia salmoniflora has considerable potential for the landscaping trade. The species is easily and relatively quickly grown from seeds and is long-lived.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Monsonia.
Links
- Back to genus Sarcocaulon
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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