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Raphionacme galpinii

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Photo of a wild plant by Graham G., Inaturalist.org.

Author:  Friedrich R.R. Schlechter, 1894
Family:  ASCLEPIADACEAE*
Origin:  Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Medium - Maximum
Thickness:  50 Centimetres
Height:  30-100 Centimetres
Flower:  Green / Brown
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Raphionacme elata, N.E.Br.
Raphionacme macrorrhiza,
Schltr.

This member of the Asclepiadaceae family was given this name by Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1894. It is found in Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The caudex can grow to 50 centimetres in diameter (some claim), the entire plant to 30 or even 100 centimetres in height. The flowers are bright green and brownish.

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 Dr. Ernest E. Galpin, 1858-1941, a South African banker and amateur botanist.

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


Photo of the flowers  by Richard Gill, Inaturalist.org.