Scientific Name
Uncarina roeoesliana Rauh
Scientific Classification
Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Uncarina
Origin
Uncarina roeoesliana is native to southwestern Madagascar. It grows on limestone rocks.
Description
Uncarina roeoesliana is a caudiciform plant with an irregularly shaped caudex and branches with green, finely hairy leaves. It grows to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The leaves are deciduous during the winter resting season. There are two leaf forms: one has dark green palmately lobed leaves with reddish petioles, and the other has bright green, cordate, barely lobed leaves.
The trumpet-shaped flowers are yellow with a green throat and appear in summer. They are followed by bizarre-looking, up to (2 inches (5 cm) long fruits with small hooked harpoons.
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 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. Uncarina needs rich, very well-drained potting soil. Use diluted fertilizer on young plants to speed up growth. This plant blooms easily, and it is a striking vision when covered with flowers.
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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