Status:
valid
Authors:
Miers
Source:
wcs
Year:
1875
Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 1: 16 (1875)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000255599
Common Names
- Elatum Omphalocarpum
- Omphalocarpum elatum
- Elatum's Omphalocarpum
Synonyms
- Omphalocarpum anocentrum Pierre [unknown]
- Omphalocarpum radlkoferi Baill. [unknown]
- Omphalocarpum radlkoferi pluriloculare Engl. [unknown]
- Omphalocarpum trillesianum Pierre [unknown]
Description
Omphalocarpum elatum (also called African Cucumber, among many other common names) is a succulent plant native to tropical Africa. It grows in dry, sandy soils and is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves and small, yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Omphalocarpum elatum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and its wood is used for making furniture and tools.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Omphalocarpum elatum has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Omphalocarpum elatum is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 34 feet in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and should be planted in a well-drained soil.
Where to Find Omphalocarpum elatum
Omphalocarpum elatum can be found in tropical regions of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Peru.
Omphalocarpum elatum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Omphalocarpum elatum?
Omphalocarpum elatum
What is the natural habitat of Omphalocarpum elatum?
The natural habitat of Omphalocarpum elatum is tropical rainforests.
What is the distribution of Omphalocarpum elatum?
The distribution of Omphalocarpum elatum is limited to Central and South America.
Species in the Omphalocarpum genus
Omphalocarpum adolfi-friederici,
Omphalocarpum agglomeratum,
Omphalocarpum ahia,
Omphalocarpum bequaertii,
Omphalocarpum boyankombo,
Omphalocarpum bracteatum,
Omphalocarpum brieyi,
Omphalocarpum busange,
Omphalocarpum cabrae,
Omphalocarpum claessensii,
Omphalocarpum elatum,
Omphalocarpum ghesquierei,
Omphalocarpum lecomteanum,
Omphalocarpum lescrauwaetii,
Omphalocarpum lujai,
Omphalocarpum massoko,
Omphalocarpum mayumbense,
Omphalocarpum mortehanii,
Omphalocarpum ogouense,
Omphalocarpum pachysteloides,
Omphalocarpum pedicellatum,
Omphalocarpum procerum,
Omphalocarpum sankuruense,
Omphalocarpum sphaerocarpum,
Omphalocarpum strombocarpum,
Omphalocarpum torosum,
Omphalocarpum vermoesenii,
Species in the Sapotaceae family
Afrosersalisia rwandensis,
Amorphospermum antilogum,
Argania spinosa,
Aubregrinia taiensis,
Aulandra beccarii,
Aulandra cauliflora,
Aulandra longifolia,
Autranella congolensis,
Baillonella toxisperma,
Beccariella balansana,
Beccariella crebrifolia,
Beccariella lasiantha,
Beccariella novocaledonica,
Beccariella xerocarpa,
Beccariella brownlessiana,
Boerlagella spectabilis,
Breviea sericea,
Burckella banikiensis,
Burckella erythrophylla,
Burckella fijiensis,
Burckella hillii,
Burckella macropoda,
Burckella magusum,
Burckella obovata,
Burckella parvifolia,
Burckella polymera,
Burckella poolei,
Burckella richii,
Burckella sorei,
Burckella thurstonii,
Capurodendron androyense,
Capurodendron ankaranense,
Capurodendron antongiliense,
Capurodendron apollonioides,
Capurodendron bakeri,
Capurodendron costatum,
Capurodendron delphinense,
Capurodendron gracilifolium,
Capurodendron greveanum,
Capurodendron ludiifolium,
Capurodendron madagascariense,
Capurodendron mandrarense,
Capurodendron microphyllum,
Capurodendron nodosum,
Capurodendron perrieri,
Capurodendron pervillei,
Capurodendron pseudoterminalia,
Capurodendron rubrocostatum,
Capurodendron rufescens,
Capurodendron sakalavum,