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Raphionacme zeyheri

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Photo by Valentino Vallicelli, Llifle.eu.


Photo by Valentino Vallicelli, Llifle.eu.

Author: William Henry Harvey, 1842
Family:  ASCLEPIADACEAE*
Origin:  Eastern South Africa
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Medium
Thickness:  20 Centimetres
Height:  30 Centimetres
Flower:  Yellowish-Green / Purple
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  -
Synonyms:  -

This member of the Asclepiadaceae* family was given this name by William Henry Harvey in 1842. It is found in eastern South Africa, growing in a well drained but rich soil with some water and some sun. The caudex can grow up to 20 centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to 30 centimetres in height. The flowers are yellowish 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 after Karl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher, 19th century German botanist and plant collector.

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