Pterodiscus ngamicus Seeds - Bonsai South African Indigenous Scented Succulent Caudiciform

Pterodiscus ngamicus Seeds

Unusual Natural Caudiciform Bonsai

Pterodiscus ngamicus has a large swollen caudex aboveground that resembles a miniature baobab, particularly noticeable when the stems die back in winter and expose the swollen caudex. The caudex (stem-base) of Pterodiscus ngamicus is fleshy, conical, with smooth, grey bark, and can grow about 300 mm tall and about 60 mm diameter at the base and 15 mm at the crown. In spring, herbaceous annual stems grow from the crown of the caudex; they are stout, spreading and develop numerous sets of opposite leaves. Leaves are simple, pinnatifid (cleft almost to the midrib), green on the upper surface, grey on the underside; with dentate margins. There are extrafloral nectaries at the base of the petioles, which attracts ants; these can be seen as small black dots. It produces a trumpet-like flower, pale purple with a purple-yellow tube, in mid to late summer (from December to March). The fruits are rounded, and 4-winged, similar looking to those of the bushwillows (Combretum spp.). The stems, leaves and flowers are mealy (have a granular texture) and are covered with glands. When the leaves or fruits are rubbed or crushed, they produce strongly scented mucilage which has soap-like properties in water. An infusion made from the whole plant is given to cows to remove retained placenta after delivery. Pterodiscus ngamicus can be planted in small gardens and in rockeries, even in bonsai collections. It is the perfect plant for water-wise gardens because of its drought resistance, and it is a rewarding container plant.