Status:
valid
                
                
                    
Authors:
L.O.Williams
                
                
                    
Source:
wcs
                
                
                    
Year:
1941
                
                
                    
Citation Micro:
Bot. Mus. Leafl. 9: 38 (1941)
                
                
                    
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000942990
                
             
            
            
                
                
                
            
            
            
                                    
                        Common Names
                        
                        - Vernicosa Dickasonia
 - Varnished Dickasonia
 - Vernicosa-Shaped Dickasonia
                         
                     
                                
                
                    
                    
                    
                
                
                
                
                                                    
                        Description
                        
                            Dickasonia vernicosa (also called 'Varnish Milkweed', among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to tropical Africa. It has oval-shaped leaves with a velvety texture and small white flowers. It is found in moist, shady forests and along streams.                        
                     
                                
                                    
                        Uses & Benefits
                        
                            Dickasonia vernicosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and headaches.                        
                     
                                
                                                    
                        Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
                        
                            Flower: The flower of Dickasonia vernicosa is white, with a yellowish-green lip. Seed: The seed of Dickasonia vernicosa is small, round and black. Seedlings: The seedlings of Dickasonia vernicosa are small and green in color.                        
                     
                                
                
                
                                    
                        Cultivation and Propagation
                        
                            Dickasonia vernicosa can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a well-draining, humus-rich soil and partial shade. It is best grown in temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.                        
                     
                                                    
                        Where to Find Dickasonia vernicosa
                        
                            Dickasonia vernicosa can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.                        
                     
                
                
                                    
                        Species in the Dickasonia genus
                        
                     
                                                    
                        Species in the Orchidaceae family
                        
                            Aa fiebrigii, 
Aa hartwegii, 
Aa hieronymi, 
Aa leucantha, 
Aa lorentzii, 
Aa macra, 
Aa achalensis, 
Aa maderoi, 
Aa mandonii, 
Aa matthewsii, 
Aa microtidis, 
Aa paleacea, 
Aa argyrolepis, 
Aa riobambae, 
Aa rosei, 
Aa schickendanzii, 
Aa sphaeroglossa, 
Aa trilobulata, 
Aa weddelliana, 
Aa aurantiaca, 
Aa calceata, 
Aa colombiana, 
Aa denticulata, 
Aa erosa, 
Aa figueroi, 
Aa lozanoi, 
Aa lehmannii, 
Acampe carinata, 
Acampe cephalotes, 
Acampe ochracea, 
Acampe pachyglossa, 
Acampe praemorsa, 
Acampe joiceyana, 
Acampe hulae, 
Acanthophippium bicolor, 
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum, 
Acanthophippium curtisii, 
Acanthophippium eburneum, 
Acanthophippium gougahense, 
Acanthophippium javanicum, 
Acanthophippium lilacinum, 
Acanthophippium mantinianum, 
Acanthophippium parviflorum, 
Acanthophippium pictum, 
Acanthophippium splendidum, 
Acanthophippium striatum, 
Acanthophippium sylhetense, 
Acanthophippium curtisii, 
Achlydosa glandulosa, 
Acianthera aculeata,