Scientific Name
Uncarina roeoesliana Rauh
Scientific Classification
Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Uncarina
Description
Uncarina roeoesliana is a deciduous tropical shrub up to 6.5 feet (2 m) tall, and the plant develops a nice irregular caudex at the base. The stem is stout, that becomes thickened with age. There are 2 types, the type 1 has palmately lobed dark green leaves with reddish petioles, and the type 2 has bright green cordate barely lobed leaves. The flowers are small, yellow, followed by hooked fruit. The fruit (capsules) are up to (2 inches (5 cm) long, bizarre looking with small inwardly pointed sticky "horns" looking like small hooked harpoons.
Photo via raritet-plants.ru
How to Grow and Care
One reason that Uncarinas are not common in cultivation is that the seed does not germinate easily. Why this is, we do not know. Propagation by cuttings is not a substitute because they do not root easily either. In short: a difficult sort 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. In the wild they can grow up to 13 feet (4 m), but do not expect that in your greenhouse or window sill. Uncarinas are tender, cannot endure temperatures below 35 2° F (2° C), if grown outdoors they will probably grow back from roots, if frozen. They are quite heat tolerant. Uncarina needs a rich, very well drained potting soil. Use diluted fertilizer on young plants to speed up growth. Uncarina 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.
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