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Massonia pustulata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Massonia pustulata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Massonia
Species:
M. pustulata
Binomial name
Massonia pustulata
Synonyms
  • Massonia scabra
  • Massonia schlechtendalii[2]

Massonia pustulata, the blistered massonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloidiae, native to the Western Cape of South Africa. Growing to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall and broad, it is a small bulbous perennial with two horizontal, opposite leaves, and virtually stalkless cream or pink flowers in winter. The stamens are longer than the perianth, giving the flower the appearance of a rounded, spiky brush-head.[3] The deep "pock marks" on the leaves give the plant its common name, as well as the specific epithet pustulata.

In temperate zones it requires protection as it does not survive being frozen. Its small size makes it a suitable subject for a pot under glass.[3] It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5]

The Massonia genus of plants is named for Scottish botanist and gardener Francis Masson, who was Kew Gardens' first plant hunter.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Massonia pustulata Jacq". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Massonia pustulata Jacq". The Plant List. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Massonia pustulata - Plant of the Month Dec 2015". The Alpine Garden Society. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  4. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Massonia pustulata". Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  5. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 64. Retrieved 4 April 2018.