Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Welwitschia Hook.f. [596]

genus_ja:

genus_en:

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Welwitschiaceae

family_ja: ウェルウィッチア

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en:

description_en: Genus of one species of prostrate, dioecious, evergreen perennial from deserts, mainly coastal, in Angola and Namibia. It has a large but relatively shallow tap root with many lateral roots just below ground level. The fleshy, leathery, mid- or grey-green leaves are strap-shaped, and the inflorescences are cone-like. In their natural habitat, male plants produce masses of pollen, which is carried on the wind to female plants. In summer, females can produce up to 100 conical to spherical floral cones, but there is no record of welwitschias blooming in cultivation, except in botanic gardens. Where temperatures drop below 19°C (66°F), grow in a warm greenhouse; in warmer climates, use in a desert garden. Its adaptation to the extreme conditions of its natural habitat means it is difficult to cultivate.

hardiness_en: Frost tender.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) as soon as ripe; sow in tall, narrow containers that allow for the growth of the tap root.

pests_en: Trouble free.

description_ja:

comment: S.Angola & SW.Africa

comment_ja: サバクオモト(奇想天外)

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2020-09-04 03:56

family: