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
Origin
This halophile species is native to Macaronesia and northwest Africa. It 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 grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and up to 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, the plant produces many small, white to pale pink flowers. Fruits are green to orange capsules easily confused with the leaves.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 7a to 10b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Zygophyllum is found in many deserts and semi-deserts of the world, including some of the 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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