Scientific Name
Tetraena fontanesii (Webb & Berthel.) Beier & Thulin
Common Name(s)
Canarian Bean Caper, Sea Grape
Synonym(s)
Zygophyllum fontanesii, Zygophyllum webbianum
Scientific Classification
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Tetraena
Etymology
The specific epithet "fontanesii" (pronounced "fon-tan-EZ-ee-eye") honors René Louiche Desfontaines🡕, a French botanist, who also worked on ornithology.
Origin
Tetraena fontanesii is native to Macaronesia and northwest Africa. It is a halophile species and occurs in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Savage Islands, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Senegal.
Description
Tetraena fontanesii, also known as Zygophyllum fontanesii, is an odd subshrub with a woody rootstock and spreading, woody branches that bear grape-like leaves. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. The succulent leaves are subcylindrical, egg-shaped to club-shaped, and vary in color from green to yellow, pale orange, or sometimes reddish.
In early summer, Tetraena fontanesii produces many small, white to pale pink flowers. The fruits are green to orange capsules easily confused with the leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Tetraena fontanesii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 7a to 10b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
Zygophyllum is found in many deserts and semi-deserts worldwide, including some of the world's aridest habitats where plant life is possible. Species are found in various habitats along hill slopes, dry rivers, ridges, road verges, coarse sandy soil, calcareous sand, and salty soil.
Species of Zygophyllum are usually not found in cultivation. However, some are very attractive with yellow, delicate petals and interesting fruits, and will undoubtedly be suitable for growing in gardens.
Propagation can be done from seed or by taking cuttings in spring.
See more at Growing and Using Zygophyllum.
Links
- Back to genus Tetraena
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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