Description
Dendrophthora ovata (also called Bladderpod, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub with thick, leathery leaves. It is native to the southeastern United States and prefers wet, sandy soils in full sun.
Uses & Benefits
Dendrophthora ovata is used in traditional medicine, as an ornamental plant, and as a source of food for bees and other pollinators.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dendrophthora ovata is a small, yellow, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dendrophthora ovata is a perennial succulent plant that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers a well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring and rooting them in a sandy soil mix. It can also be propagated by seed, which should be sown in a sandy soil mix in the spring. The seeds should be kept moist until germination occurs.
Where to Find Dendrophthora ovata
Dendrophthora ovata can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.