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Descrizione
Bella specie comune nelle collezioni per via dei fiori gialli prodotti a profusione. Il nome deriva dal suo fusto composto da segmenti globosi o ovoidali di colore verde chiaro simili ad un mucchietto di patate. Family: Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae) (Milkweeds family) Scientific Name:Piaranthus geminatus (Masson) N.E.Br. . subsp. geminatus
Origin: Eastern and Western Cape Provinces (Little Karoo) Piaranthus globosus |
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Description: Piaranthus globosus is a clumping and prostrate species that spread over the ground forming large cushions. The name is due to the stem segments that are ovoid or globose, light green and resemble a mass of tiny potatoes. Taxonomy remarks : The genus Piaranthus is a very confusing complex of extremely nearly related species with many intermediary forms growing together in many widespread localities and they are very difficult to distinguish. Also experienced botanist found difficulty to separate and classify reliably the various species and forms. |
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Cultivation: It is an easy blooming plant when mature that require moderately watering through the growing season but enjoy plenty of water and some fertiliser in hot weather, this helps them to flower freely. Water more sparingly in winter according to temperatures. But, as with most asclepiads, it is unwise to leave them wet in cold weather. Winter care presents no problems at 5°C with plenty of light. Since roots are quite shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very free-draining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering.
Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty compost and will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be increased from seeds sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss. |