Previous plant

Raphionacme velutina

Next plant

Photo by K.K. Agrawal, Llifle.com.


The flower by Anka Eichhoff, Africanplants.senckenberg.de.

Author:  Friedrich R.R. Schlechter, 1895
Family:  ASCLEPIADACEAE*
Origin:  Angola, Botswana, Namibia, N South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Soil:  Sand
Water:  Minimum - Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  20-30 Centimetres
Height:  10-20 Centimetres
Flower:  Pale Green / Purple
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Not R. burkei, N.E.Br, nor R. dinteri Schltr. as I see it.
Brachystelma viridiflorum, Turrill?

This member of the Asclepiadaceae* family was given this name by Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1895. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, northern South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, growing in a sandy soil with little to some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow to 20 or even 30 centimetres in diameter. It can be real flat and is buried in the wild. The entire plant from ten to 20 centimetres in height. The flowers are pale 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 from velvety or velutinous, covered in dense soft short hairs.

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