Botanical family: Pedaliaceae

Ceratotheca triloba

The Ceratotheca triloba can survive with very little water, but to grow tall and lush, they need plenty of water throughout the summer.

All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.

Harpagophytum leptocarpum, Uncarina leptocarpa

Pedalium murex

Pedalium murex is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. It is a creeper that is about 2 to 3 ft having branches spread all over, leaves are of irregular shape. Flowers are yellow. Fruits are round and possess 5 to 12 compartments and each compartment contains a seed. The seeds contain aromatic oil. The plant flowers in early winter followed by fruiting. The fruit contains certain alkaloids, helps in suppressing pain and inflammation, has a good effect on the respiratory and digestive system; aphrodisiac agent.

Close related species - Uncarina grandidieri.

Pterodiscus ngamicus

Native to South Africa, Pterodiscus ngamicusis a small shrub with attractive foliage and bright flowers. This evergreen succulent grows to a height of 2-5 feet, and it is best to provide it with full sun. Pterodiscus offers beautiful blooms in shades of red, crimson, and vinous. These cheerful flowers appear in clusters and last all season long.

This plant is very adaptable and prefers a moderate amount of water. In the warm summer, it may require watering every 1-2 weeks. In the winter, watering can be reduced to once a month. The soil should be well-draining and mostly sandy, and it should be allowed to dry out in between waterings.

For gardeners in colder regions, Pterodiscus can be grown in a pot. Plant the caudex in a good quality potting soil, and make sure the container has adequate drainage. Pterodiscus is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11, though the cold can damage the foliage. To protect the plant from the cold, make sure to bring the container indoors during freezing temperatures.

Overall, Pterodiscus is a great choice for gardeners who want to add texture, color, and a tropical feel to any landscape. Its easy-care requirements and its long bloom period make it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Uncarina decaryi

Uncarina decaryi is is similar to Uncarina grandidieri, but its leaves are more deeply lobed.

Uncarina grandidieri, Harpagophytum grandidieri

Uncarina grandidieri is a most attractive plant. Deciduous shrub or small tree to 25ft, trunk up to 1ft in diameter. Abundant water when growing, keep on the dry side when dormant.

The flower resembles a large Petunia in form and is bright yellow with a dark throat, as in the Thunbergia alata. The stems are stout and become thickened with age. The hairy leaves resemble those of the cotton plant. They are sticky to the touch and yield a musty odor when rubbed. The leaves are deciduous during the winter resting season. Fruit has small inwardly pointed barbs mounted on 3/4in pedicels. Don't touch this fruit unless you want to spend some time trying to remove it from your fingers.

Close related species - Pedalium murex.

Uncarina peltata, Harpagophytum peltatum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

This very rare unusual succulent from Madagascar has spectacular yellow flowers with black centers and soft velvet leaves, pleasant to touch. Uncarina peltata is quite rare and not the easiest subject. Grows in well-drained soil, and unlike many succulents, prefers lots of water along with full sun. Forms large caudex.

The plant goes dormant in winter and stays leafless during dormancy.

Uncarina roeoesliana

This unusual succulent caudex plant from Madagascar has 2" bright yellow flowers and soft velvet leaves, so fun to touch. The flowers are follower by 1.5-2" size, bizarre looking fruit with multiple sticky "horns", those you don't want to touch! They stick to about anything, using miscoscopic hooks on the end of each "horn". The plant grows in well-drained soil, and unlike many succulents, prefers lots of water along with full sun. It forms large caudex. The stem can reach 6 ft.