Tree Jockey Seeds - Dermatobotrys saundersii - Indigenous

Dermatobotrys saundersii Seeds

An unusual "epiphytic" small shrub of the Snapdragon family. Native to Zululand, South Africa, where it's at risk of becoming extinct. In nature, found growing in the forks of trees, hence it's common name. The leaves are soft and rubbery with shallow toothed margins and reddish veins. Tubular deep red flowers appear mid-winter encircling the top of each stem just below the leaves.

This unusual plant is pollinated by sunbirds. It makes a great pot plant. You can also try to grow it as an epiphyte in the fork of a tree. It needs a very loose, well-draining soil mix with plenty of leaf litter or compost. It is very important to not over-water this plant. It thrives in a mild, frost-free climate in bright shade.

These attractive plants are easily grown from seed and make very good container plant subjects. They should be grown in well-drained humus rich soil and in partial shade. It is important to not over-water. The plant will thrive in the same container for several years if fed monthly during the growing season.

This unusual plant is well worth growing as a container plant, or planted in the forks of tall trees where humus has collected.