Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) H.Schaef. & Kocyan
Source:
tro
Year:
2008
Citation Micro:
Syst. Bot. 33: 350 (2008)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001035404
Common Names
- Linnaeosicyos amara
- Bitter Linnaeosicyos
- Linnaeosicyos Amara
Description
Linnaeosicyos amara (also called Bitter Linnaeosicyos, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a small, annual herb with a creeping stem and small, ovate leaves. It is native to tropical Africa, and is found in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Linnaeosicyos amara is a species of flowering plant used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover in shady areas. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Linnaeosicyos amara has small, yellowish-green flowers which are borne in clusters on the tips of the fronds. The seeds are round and black. The seedlings have a single, long frond with a single, round sorus on the underside.
Cultivation and Propagation
Linnaeosicyos amara is a fast-growing, perennial, succulent vine native to Madagascar. It is best propagated by stem cuttings, which can be rooted in water or soil. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 40°F (4°C). It can be pruned back to control its size.
Where to Find Linnaeosicyos amara
Linnaeosicyos amara can be found in the dry regions of South Africa.
Species in the Linnaeosicyos genus
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,