Aptenia cordifolia

Aptenia cordifolia

Aptenia cordifolia is a plant of the genus Aptenia from the family of Mesembryanthemum plants ( Aizoaceae ). The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word cor for heart (because of the heart-shaped leaves ) from. It is sometimes referred to as Nodding Pincushion Aptenia or Nodding Pincushion Flower lunch because ( as including many other representatives of the Aizoaceae ) opens only during the sunny hours of the day their blossoms.

Description

Aptenia cordifolia is a perennial succulent plant that only reaches heights of growth of about 5 to 10 centimeters. It is rich with branches prostrate, creeping branches. The stems are green and terete. The fleshy, small leaves are opposite, ovate to heart-shaped, about 2.5 cm long and covered with fine papillae.

The small, short -stalked, pink to purple- red flowers have a diameter of about 8 to 15 mm and appear individually terminal or pendant. Numerous bloom (80) and leaves the dust (50) present. The flowers open only during the sunny hours of the day. Are formed capsule fruits.

Occurrence

Aptenia cordifolia is native to the eastern coastal deserts of South Africa. Today it is grown in many warmer, especially coastal areas or wild to find (including the Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands, California and Australia). The non- hardy plant requires a sunny site and well drained soil.

Use and varieties

Aptenia cordifolia can be planted as a fast-growing, non- hardy ground cover in flower boxes and hanging baskets. Hibernation takes place either in a frost -free, sunny place at about 5-8 ° C or rooted cuttings to overwinter. Besides the type you meet on the variety A. cordifolia 'Variegata', whose leaves have creamy white margins and rarely on a white flowering form.

The plant is also used in the kitchen, mostly for decorative purposes, or mixed among salad. The fleshy leaves have a sour taste. In addition, the locals of the region of origin using the plant because of anti-inflammatory properties.

Documents

• C. Brickell (Ed.): Encyclopedia of garden and indoor plants. Orbis, Munich 1994, ISBN 3-572-00685-6.
• W. Haage: cacti and succulents. Quelle & Meyer, Heidelberg, 1989, ISBN 3-494-01143-5.
• J. Ettelt: Succulent index. In: cacti and other succulents. 3 /2004.
• Nancy J. Vivrette: Aptenia. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee ( eds.): Flora of North America North of Mexico. Volume 4: Magnoliophyta: Caryophyllidae, part 1, Oxford University Press, New York / Oxford et al 2003, ISBN 0-19-517389-9, pp. 83-84. (online)