Status:
valid
Authors:
(Gilg) DeWolf
Source:
tro
Year:
1961
Citation Micro:
Kirkia 1: 94 (1961)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001290543
Common Names
- Ritchiea Pygmaea
- Pygmy Ritchiea
- Pygmy Caper Bush
Description
Ritchiea pygmaea (also called Pygmy Ritchiea, among many other common names) is a small shrub with a height of up to 1 m. It is native to Namibia, Angola, and Botswana and is found in dry woodlands and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Ritchiea pygmaea is used as an ornamental plant and is known for its attractive yellow flowers. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and colds.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ritchiea pygmaea has white flowers with five petals and five sepals. Its seeds are small, black, and oval-shaped. The seedlings have a single cotyledon and a pair of opposite, simple leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ritchiea pygmaea can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it is best to use a soil mix that is high in organic matter. When planting, it is important to water the plant thoroughly and to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Where to Find Ritchiea pygmaea
Ritchiea pygmaea can be found in tropical forests of Central and South America.
Ritchiea pygmaea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ritchiea pygmaea?
Ritchiea pygmaea
What is the common name of Ritchiea pygmaea?
Pygmy Ritchiea
What is the natural habitat of Ritchiea pygmaea?
Dry grassland, scrub and bushland
Species in the Ritchiea genus
Ritchiea wilczekiana,
Ritchiea wittei,
Ritchiea youngii,
Ritchiea boukokoensis,
Ritchiea capparoides,
Ritchiea erecta,
Ritchiea carrissoi,
Ritchiea aprevaliana,
Ritchiea agelaeifolia,
Ritchiea albersii,
Ritchiea noldeae,
Ritchiea ovata,
Ritchiea quarrei,
Ritchiea reflexa,
Ritchiea spragueana,
Ritchiea gossweileri,
Ritchiea jansii,
Ritchiea mayumbensis,
Ritchiea littoralis,
Ritchiea simplicifolia,
Ritchiea macrantha,
Ritchiea afzelii,
Ritchiea pygmaea,
Species in the Capparaceae family
Acome micrantha,
Bachmannia woodii,
Beautempsia avicenniifolia,
Boscia albitrunca,
Boscia arabica,
Boscia cauliflora,
Boscia coriacea,
Boscia fadeniorum,
Boscia foetida,
Boscia gossweileri,
Boscia kalachariensis,
Boscia keniensis,
Boscia longifolia,
Boscia madagascariensis,
Boscia matabelensis,
Boscia mazzocchii,
Boscia microphylla,
Boscia minimifolia,
Boscia mossambicensis,
Boscia oleoides,
Boscia pestalozziana,
Boscia plantefolii,
Boscia polyantha,
Boscia praecox,
Boscia pruinosa,
Boscia puberula,
Boscia rotundifolia,
Boscia salicifolia,
Boscia senegalensis,
Boscia tomentosa,
Boscia urens,
Boscia welwitschii,
Boscia albitrunca,
Boscia integrifolia,
Buchholzia coriacea,
Buchholzia tholloniana,
Cadaba aphylla,
Cadaba baccarinii,
Cadaba barbigera,
Cadaba benguellensis,
Cadaba capparoides,
Cadaba carneoviridis,
Cadaba divaricata,
Cadaba farinosa,
Cadaba fruticosa,
Cadaba gillettii,
Cadaba glaberrima,
Cadaba glandulosa,
Cadaba insularis,
Cadaba kassasii,