Jump to content

Gonatopus (plant)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gonatopus
Gonatopus boivinii in cultivation
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Zamioculcadoideae
Genus: Gonatopus
Engl.[1][2][3]
Species

See text

Gonatopus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, consisting of about five species. This genus is native to eastern and southeastern Africa and is closely related to the genus Zamioculcas. The plant generally only produces one leaf from its tuber when in growth. In G. boivinii, the leaf is tripinnate, and with its stalk can reach up to 1 m in height and 40 cm broad; the individual leaflets are up to 10 cm long and 3.5 cm broad; in G. angustus, the leaf can reach 1.5 m tall. A spadix arises from the tuber during late spring.

Cultivation and uses

[edit]

The most commonly found Gonatopus in private collections and cultivation is Gonatopus boivinii, commonly called giraffe's knees. This name arises from the appearance of a swollen region of a petiole called the pulvinus.

Since Gonatopus boivinii is tropical in origin, in temperate areas it should be grown as a houseplant. As an ornamental plant, it is grown for its attractive mottled leaves and stalk. Potting soil with some coir incorporated is satisfactory for the plant. The plant should be kept moist and fertilized once every two weeks with a weak fertilizer during the growing season.

The plants should be kept warm, and in bright light or light shade. After the growing season, the tubers can be lifted and stored like dahlias. The plant can be propagated by division or by seed.

Selected species

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Gonatopus Engl". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  2. ^ "Gonatopus Engl". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000. n.d. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  3. ^ "Gonatopus Engl". World Flora Online. n.d. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
[edit]
  • Media related to Gonatopus at Wikimedia Commons