Status:
valid
Authors:
(Mitt.) Jur.
Source:
tro
Year:
1866
Citation Micro:
Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 24: 178 1866
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001165393
Common Names
- Spinosum Echinodium
- Echinodium Spinosum
- Spiny Echinodium
Description
Echinodium spinosum (also called Spiny Echinodium, among many other common names) is a small, perennial herb with a woody base and a single, erect stem. It is native to South Africa and grows in dry, rocky areas. It has small, spiny leaves and small, white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Echinodium spinosum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Echinodium spinosum is yellow with a dark center. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinodium spinosum can be propagated by seed or division. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefers a slightly acidic soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Echinodium spinosum
Echinodium spinosum can be found in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa.
Species in the Echinodium genus
Species in the Echinodiaceae family