
A young plant with the tall
inflorescence. Photo by Vered A. Mann. |
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This member of the Geraniaceae family was given this name by
William Curtis in 1795. It is found
in north-western South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with
some water and lots of sun. The swollen stems can grow to eight
centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to 30 or even 60 centimetres in
height. The
flowers are from white over pink to purple with a darker centre.
The species name; echinatum
refers to the "spines" on the stems, which actually are dried
stipules.
This is a winter grower. |