Drosanthemum micans is a colourful spring flowering vygie (Afr.) that is a good choice for arid gardens across the country.
Description
Drosanthemum micans is a low-growing, dense, compact, perennial shrublet that can attain a height of 0.6 m under ideal conditions. It has a fibrous root system and is shallow rooted. Like all drosanthemums, it is characterized by the dewdrop-like beads known as papillae found on the branches and flower stems. The leaves are opposite and nearly always equal. The flowers have red outer petals with chrome yellow inner petals. Flowers are borne in spring during the month of September.
The seeds are very small, medium brown and round in shape. The seeds are dispersed by means of rainwater that open the valves located in the seed capsule. This splashing action disperses the seeds some distance away from the parent plant. In some cases rainwater will wash the seeds under other karroid plants in the area. As with many succulents, life begins under the protection of a nurse plant. A nurse plant is a shrub from where the young plant germinates and grows, protected by its leaves and branches from the sun's strong rays. With time they eventually outgrow their nurse.
Distribution
There are over 110 species of Drosanthemum found in the arid areas of South Africa and neighbouring Namibia. Drosanthemum micans has a relatively small distribution in the winter rainfall area of South Africa. It occurs mainly in the karroid areas in the Worcester and Robertson lowlands. It is found growing in decomposed Malmesbury shale. It is used to extreme heat (above 40°C), but it can survive in relatively low temperatures (–3°C).
Derivation of name and historical aspects
The word Drosanthemum originates from the Greek word dros, meaning dew-like (hence the shining papillae) and anthemum means flower. If one looks at the flowers in the midday sun they do almost glisten. The specific epiphet micans also refers to the shiny, sparkling appearance.
This plant has only been used in ornamental horticulture relatively recently. It is unlikely that Drosanthemum micans has been planted very widely in cultivated gardens in South Africa. In fact, most drosanthemums are a relatively new introduction to ornamental horticulture.
Conservation status
Drosanthemum micans has very recently been classified as Endangered mainly due to habitat destruction. This new classification will appear in the new Red Data Book scheduled for publication in early 2007.
Uses and cultural aspects
None are really known. It is possibly planted in a limited number of gardens mainly in the Western Cape. It is a hardy survivor in a water-wise garden!
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