Re: Pelargonium oblongtum
- To: I*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [IGSROBIN] Pelargonium oblongtum
- From: C* P*
- Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 12:22:47 EST
Hi Phil,
Yes, P. Oblongtum is restricted to the Richtersveld and northern part of
Namaqualand. So far this speices has only been collected from Stinkfontein to
the Hamies Mountains near Kamieskroon.
We here in San Diego share the climate formula to grow this plant,
especially if you are inland. This plant wants to have a habitat that is hot
and arid,with a low annual rainfall. NO OVER HEAD WATERING!
Oblongatum refers to the oblong tuber where the water is stored up in
order to survive the low annual rainfall habitat.This tuber in nature is
partically exposed above ground level. Mature the tuber can attain a length
of 15 cm or about 6 inches.The tubers skin has a flaky bark like texture.
When the plant comes out of dormancy, the leaves will be very fleshy,
glandular and covered with coarse hairs. These hairs are relatively short,
making the leaf feel velvety to the touch. The flowers on this plant are pale
yellow in a umbel cluster. This plant lends itself to a bonsai container
evironment if can't naturalize it.
You will enjoy growing this plant, it has so much character!
Cynthia Pardoe,
San Diego,CA
