Uncarina grandidieri (Succulent Sesame)
Posted: December 26th, 2013, 12:37 pm
| Botanical Name | Uncarina grandidieri |
| Family | Pedaliaceae |
| Local Name in Urdu | Not available |
| Common Name | Succulent sesame |
| Life Cycle | Deciduous |
| Cultivar Name | Not available |
| Fragrant or Not | Flower has a stinky smell if sniffed closely but noticeable is if standing in front of this tree. |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | Small tree |
| Height | 10 ft |
| Spacing | 6 ft |
| Flowering Months | Summer |
| Flower Color | Yellow with burgundy eyes |
| Growing Areas | Can be grown successfully in Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab and milder cold areas of NWFP. |
| Frost Tender | Ideally situated for Karachi, Lahore etc. Can be given a try by growing only in milder cold areas of NWFP e.g. Peshawar. |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil pH | pH tolerant, good drainage is necessary |
| Propagation | Seeds mainly, difficult to root through cuttings. |
| Uses | Ornamental |
| Other Details | "Belonging to genus of 13 species known as Caudiciform (fat plants), Uncarina originate from Madagascar and comes in various colours namely white, pink, orange and yellow. These deciduous succulent plants store their food and energy in their swollen trunks (caudex) or roots. They normally grow up to 8m tall and are very drought tolerant and can be grown successfully in Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, and milder cold areas of NWFP. Flowers of this variety bear resemblance to flowers of Black Eyed Susan. It preferably should be grown in full sun area having good drainage. During its growth season in the summers this plant relishes water and very little water should be given during its dormancy period. Seeds pods are found in its spiked round fruit capsules resembling harpoon or torpedo. It is usually grown from seeds and some information from the net indicates that it can be propagated from softwood cuttings. My experience is that germination from seeds is poor but nevertheless the most feasible option. Propagating from cuttings is almost impossible as they do not root easily. This may be the reason for its exorbitant cost which ranges between Rs. 1000-2000 depending on the size of the plant. In addition this plant is very susceptible to termites. Another interesting information about this variety is that it only be pollinated by beetles. More information about pollination can be read in the url below. http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/su ... ra-sub.asp |
