Previous plant

Raphionacme longituba

Next plant

Photo by Hildor Hoffmann.


Photo by Hildor Hoffmann.

Author: Eileen Adelaide Bruce, 1937
Family:  ASCLEPIADACEAE*
Origin:  Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  15 Centimetres
Height:  20 Centimetres
Flower:  Green / Purple
Propagate:  Seeds/Cuttings
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Raphionacme ernstiana, Ulrich Meve, 2000 might just be a subspecies?

This member of the Asclepiadaceae* family was described by Eileen Adelaide Bruce in 1937. It is found in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow up to 15 centimetres in diameter, the stem to 20 centimetres height. The flowers are green and purple.

The genera name from Greek rhaphis; 'beet-root' and akme; 'sharpness' possibly referring to the taste of the roots - haven't tried yet. The species name for the long tubes of the flowers.

*)Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Asclepiadaceae is now part of the Apocynaceae.