Scientific Name
Sedum actinocarpum Yamam.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "actinocarpum (ak-tin-oh-KAR-pum)" means "having fruits with rays" and refers to the five carpels that ripen into follicles and spread into a rosette.
Origin
Sedum actinocarpum is endemic to Taiwan.
Description
Sedum actinocarpum is an annual succulent with simple, apically 2-branched, or rarely 3-branched stems with alternate or sometimes opposite leaves. The stems are slender and erect and can grow up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) tall. The leaves are spatulate, round to obtuse at the apex, measuring up to 1.1 inches (2.7 cm) long and 0.45 inches (1.1 cm) wide.
The flowers are yellow, star-shaped, 5-merous, and appear arranged in cymes from late winter to spring. The follicles are horizontally spreading and contain tiny brown seeds.
Sedum actinocarpum is rarely seen in cultivation. It is widely distributed in the mountains across the island of Taiwan at elevations between 1,000 and 8,200 feet (300 and 2,500 m).
This succulent is an annual plant that lives and dies in one growing season. However, it self-propagates by scattering seeds that grow into new plants.
Toxicity of Sedum actinocarpum
Sedum actinocarpum is not listed as toxic for people but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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