A wonderful work in the genus kapok-- tortoise kapok

Kapok is a perennial succulent plant. The root base is stout. The stem is dilated, massive, fleshy, the skin is gray, with light green markings and cracked epidermis. The rhizome of this species is dilated and in a strange state like a tortoise shell. At present, it is a rare interesting succulent plant in China, which can be potted or arranged in the botanical garden for viewing. There are plants in Xiamen Botanical Garden.

Tortoise kapok

Morphological features:

Perennial succulent plants. The root base is stout. The base of the stem is irregularly dilated, massive, fleshy, gray skin, distributed with light green markings, cracked epidermis, in which a large amount of water is stored. Terminal green short branch, generally less than 1 m in height. Palmately compound leaves alternate, leaflets 5, Obovate, leaves falling off during dormancy. The flower is white (purplish red in some materials), the filament is long, and it grows near the end of the branch during the growing period. The capsule is large and long oval.

This "brother", from Mexico in the Americas, is a perennial succulent plant of the kapok family. The lower part of its fleshy stem is irregularly inflated and strangely shaped, like a giant tortoise lying on the ground; its skin is gray, distributed with light green markings, and its epidermis is cracked like a turtle shell, which stores a lot of water to adapt to the arid and hot desert environment. Terminal green short branch, generally less than 1 m in height. Palmately compound leaves alternate, 5 leaves, long oval, only this and its "brother" kapok is somewhat similar, dormant leaves will fall off. Blooming in early spring, the flower is huge, when blooming, the Corolla is composed of hundreds of white filaments, many and long filaments, growing at the top of the branches, showing a hemispherical radial shape, if several flowers are placed side by side, silver strands, do not have an elegant demeanor.

Tortoise kapok

Growth environment:

Like warm, dry and sunny climate. Not resistant to cold, not resistant to stagnant water. It is appropriate to use fertile and loose sandy loam with good drainage. Adequate water supply is needed during the growing period. When dormant, you should reduce watering, keep dry and pay attention to ventilation.

Main values:

Tortoise kapok is a very rare interesting succulent plant in China. Two plants of kapok in the desert greenhouse of the warm Room Group of the South China Botanical Garden were introduced from America in 2008, one of which is in the shape of a tortoise, and the other, such as a frog, is amazing.

Tortoise kapok

Plant culture:

Kapok is the city flower of Guangzhou, and its elegant demeanor has become one of the deepest impressions in the minds of Guangzhou citizens. In March, kapok in full bloom in the street is red, dense and spectacular, warm and unrestrained, becoming the most gorgeous scenery in Huacheng. However, the tall and straight kapok tree has a very different "brother". It is not only short, but also looks young and mature, with strange shapes and flowers that are very different from kapok.