Uncarina roeoesliana

Scientific Name

Uncarina roeoesliana Rauh

Scientific Classification

Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Uncarina

Description

Uncarina roeoesliana is a deciduous tropical shrub that develops a nice irregularly shaped caudex and stems that grow up to 6.5 feet (2 m) tall. There are two leaf forms, one has palmately lobed dark green leaves with reddish petioles, and the other has bright green cordate barely lobed leaves. Flowers are small, yellow, followed by hooked fruit. The fruits (capsules) are up to (2 inches (5 cm) long, bizarre-looking with small inwardly pointed sticky "horns" looking like tiny 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 yourself one, it is relatively easy to grow. It needs plenty of warmth and plenty of 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, 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 when covered with flowers, it is a striking vision. The seed capsules feature small hooked harpoons. See more at How to Grow and Care for Uncarina.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.