Scientific Name
Uncarina leptocarpa (Decne.) Ihlenf. & Straka
Synonym(s)
Harpagophytum leptocarpum, Uncaria leptocarpa
Scientific Classification
Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Uncarina
Origin
Uncarina leptocarpa is native to Madagascar. It grows in calcareous soil over limestone beds.
Description
Uncarina leptocarpa is a large tropical shrub or small caudiciform tree with a trunk and a dense crown of overhanging branches with green, finely hairy leaves. It grows up to 25 feet (7.5 m) tall. The trunk is up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Leaves are pentagonal to slightly palmate, up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) long and up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) wide. They are deciduous during the winter resting season.
The flowers are white with yellow centers and a long pedicel and appear in the axils of upper leaves in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 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 and 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 needs rich, very well-drained potting soil. Use diluted fertilizer on young plants to speed up growth. This plant blooms easily, rs, it is a striking vi when covered with flowerssion. The seed capsules feature small hooked harpoons.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Uncarina.
Links
- Back to genus Uncarina
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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