Status:
valid
Authors:
J.Léonard
Source:
wcs
Year:
1955
Citation Micro:
Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 25: 288 (1955)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000936341
Common Names
- Congolese Cyttaranthus
- Red Sealing Wax Palm
- Rochea Palm
Description
Cyttaranthus congolensis (also called African Star-of-Bethlehem, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical Africa. It has a rosette of basal leaves and a single stem with a terminal inflorescence. It grows in moist, shady areas, such as in forests and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Cyttaranthus congolensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and can also be used as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Cyttaranthus congolensis has small, white flowers with yellow and purple markings. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped capsule. The seedlings are small, green, and have two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cyttaranthus congolensis is a terrestrial orchid that can be grown in a pot or in the ground. It prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil and a shady spot. Propagation is by division or by seed. Seeds should be sown in a mix of peat and sand and kept moist.
Where to Find Cyttaranthus congolensis
Cyttaranthus congolensis can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
Species in the Cyttaranthus genus
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,