Brachystelma Nanum | Brachystelma | Apocynaceae

Brachystelma Nanum Description, Habitat, Cultivation and Propagation

Brachystelma Nanum Description

Brachystelma Nanum is a small perennial herb belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to South Africa and Namibia, where it grows in well-drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The plant has a small tuber with numerous succulent roots, and several stems appear from the center of the tuber. The stems are generally glabrous and can grow up to 12 cm long. The leaves are slightly broader than those of Brachystelma Occidentale, and they have a conspicuous and prominent midrib beneath. The plant produces small, pigmy-sized flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and have a short staminal corona. The flowers are borne on short peduncles that arise from the axils of the leaves.

Habitat and Distribution

Brachystelma Nanum is commonly known as the pigmy-sized succulent and is native to South Africa and Namibia. The plant has a small tuber with numerous succulent roots, and several stems appear from the center of the tuber. The stems are generally glabrous annual and can grow up to 12 cm long. The leaves of Brachystelma Nanum are slightly broader and have a conspicuous and prominent midrib beneath. The plant produces small, glossy flowers that are similar to those of Brachystelma Dyeri. The flowers are borne on short peduncles and have a short staminal corona, which gives the plant its name. The corona is a crown-like structure that surrounds the center of the flower and is made up of modified stamens.

Cultivation of Brachystelma Nanum

Description: Brachystelma Nanum is a pigmy-sized perennial herb with generally glabrous annual stems to 12 cm long, growing from a slightly succulent rootstock. It is found in South Africa and Namibia, growing in a well-drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The caudex can grow to five centimeters in diameter. The plant has a small tuber with numerous succulent roots. Several stems appear from the center of the tuber. The leaves are slightly broader and have a conspicuous and prominent midrib beneath. The flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and are white or pink with purple spots. The corolla lobes are reflexed and the staminal corona is short.

Cultivation: Brachystelma Nanum is best grown in a well-draining soil mix and should be watered sparingly. It prefers bright light and can tolerate some direct sun. It is best grown in a warm, dry climate and is not frost-tolerant. Propagation is by seed or division of the tuber.

Etymology: The genus name Brachystelma is derived from the Greek words "brachys" meaning short and "stelma" meaning crown, garland, or wreath, alluding to the short staminal corona of some species. The specific epithet "nanum" is derived from the Latin word "nanus" meaning dwarf, referring to the small size of the plant.

Uses: Brachystelma Nanum is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its unusual appearance and small size.

Similar Species: Brachystelma Nanum is similar in appearance to Brachystelma Occidentale, but it can be distinguished by its slightly broader leaves and prominent midrib beneath.

Propagation of Brachystelma Nanum

Propagation of Brachystelma Nanum is relatively easy. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. It is essential to use well-draining soil and water the plant sparingly to prevent root rot. Brachystelma Nanum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and attention.