Little Pickles (Othonna capensis) is a charming, low-growing trailing succulent in the family Asteraceae, named for its plump, cylindrical, bright green leaves that look uncannily like tiny gherkin pickles strung along trailing reddish stems. This hardy South African native produces cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stalks, adding a cheerful splash of color to rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and hanging baskets.
• The genus name Othonna derives from the Greek "othone," meaning "linen cloth," possibly referencing the texture of the leaves of some species
• The species epithet "capensis" means "from the Cape," referring to its origin in the Cape region of South Africa
• One of approximately 100 to 150 species in the genus Othonna, most of which are native to southern Africa
• The leaves are edible in small quantities, with a slightly peppery, watercress-like flavor — though the plant is primarily grown ornamentally
• A vigorous grower that quickly fills in as a groundcover or spills beautifully over container edges
• Found from the Cape Peninsula eastward through the Western and Eastern Cape
• Occurs at elevations from near sea level to approximately 800 meters
• Grows on rocky slopes, in crevices, and on gravelly flats in fynbos and succulent karoo vegetation
• The region receives 300 to 600 mm of annual rainfall, predominantly in winter
• First described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus the Younger in 1782
• The Cape Floristic Region is one of the world's six floral kingdoms and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 9,000 plant species
• The genus Othonna is well-represented in the Cape flora, with numerous species adapted to rocky, seasonally dry habitats
Stems:
• Thin, trailing or creeping, 1 to 2 mm in diameter
• Reddish-purple to greenish, becoming more vivid in strong light
• Rooting at nodes where they contact soil, enabling rapid spread
• Can trail 30 to 60 cm in hanging cultivation
Leaves:
• Fleshy, cylindrical (terete), resembling tiny pickles or beans, 8 to 20 mm long and 3 to 5 mm in diameter
• Bright green, sometimes tinged reddish or purple at the tips in strong light
• Smooth, glossy surface, somewhat plump and turgid
• Arranged alternately along the stems, moderately spaced
• Leaves contain a watery sap and are slightly mucilaginous when crushed
Flowers:
• Small, yellow, daisy-like flower heads (capitula) 10 to 15 mm in diameter
• Consisting of numerous narrow ray florets surrounding a central disc
• Produced on slender, leafless stalks 5 to 15 cm tall, rising above the foliage
• Blooming occurs mainly in spring and summer
• Flowers open in bright sunlight and close at night
Roots:
• Fibrous, shallow root system
• Stems root readily at nodes, facilitating vegetative spread
• Efficient at capturing surface moisture
Habitat:
• Rocky slopes, cliff crevices, and gravelly flats in fynbos and succulent karoo vegetation
• Grows in full sun to partial shade
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions from sandy to loamy
• Adapted to winter-rainfall patterns with dry summers
Adaptations:
• Trailing growth habit allows colonization of rocky terrain and vertical surfaces
• Cylindrical leaves minimize surface area while maximizing water storage
• Stem nodes root on contact with soil, enabling rapid vegetative spread
• Drought-deciduous — can shed leaves during extended dry periods and regrow when moisture returns
• CAM photosynthesis supplements C3 metabolism for improved water-use efficiency
Ecological Role:
• Yellow daisy-like flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
• Provides ground cover that helps stabilize soil on slopes
• Contributes to the remarkable plant diversity of the Cape Floristic Region
Soil:
• Well-draining succulent or cactus mix — use 50 to 60% inorganic material (pumice, perlite, coarse sand) with 40 to 50% potting soil
• More tolerant of ordinary potting soil than many succulents, but still requires good drainage
• pH neutral to slightly acidic (6.0 to 7.0)
Light:
• Full sun to bright, indirect light — at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily
• More sun produces more compact growth and more vivid stem coloration
• Tolerates some shade but becomes leggy and sparse
• Indoors, a bright south or west-facing window is ideal
Water:
• Water regularly during the growing season (spring to autumn), allowing the top 2 to 3 cm of soil to dry between waterings
• Moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during active growth
• Reduce watering in winter but do not allow the soil to dry out completely
• More tolerant of regular watering than many succulents
Temperature:
• Prefers moderate to warm temperatures (15 to 28°C)
• Tolerates light frost down to approximately -2°C for brief periods
• Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal problems
Propagation:
• Extremely easy from stem cuttings at any time of year
• Cut a 5 to 10 cm stem section and place directly in moist potting soil
• Roots develop within 7 to 10 days
• Also propagated from seed sown in spring
Anecdote
The "pickles" are technically edible — the leaves of Othonna capensis have a slightly peppery, watercress-like taste and can be added to salads in small quantities, though the plant is primarily grown as an ornamental • The bright yellow flowers of Othonna capensis are among the few truly yellow flowers in the succulent world, making this species a cheerful accent in any succulent arrangement • The species is sometimes sold under the name "Ruby Necklace" when the stems develop their characteristic reddish-purple color in strong light • In its native Cape Floristic Region, the genus Othonna includes some bizarre species like O. auriculifolia, which produces flowers that emerge directly from the leaf axils
En savoir plusCommentaires (0)
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier !
