Umbilicus

OPPOSITIFOLIUS (Ledebour) Ledebour, 1843

Synonyms :

 

Cotyledon oppositifolia  Ledebour (1837) / Sedum oppositifolium  (Ledebour) Hamet (1929) / Chiastophyllum oppositifolium  (Ledebour) Stapf ex A.Berger (1930)

 

Distribution : Georgia (Western Caucasus: Abchasia).

 

 

Description (according to IHSP 2003) :

 

Herbs 15 - 30 cm.

 

Stems creeping, branched from the base and forming small tufts.

 

Leaves 6 - 8, decussate, not peltate, round-ovate, 2.5 - 4 x 1.5 – 4 cm, margin crenate-dentate, petiolate.

 

Inflorescences usually branching to become paniculate, arching over.

 

Flowers shortly pedicellate, pendent, campanulate, to 4 mm long; petals fused below into a short tube, yellowish-white to bright yellow.

 

Differs from aIl other species of Umbilicus in the absence of the tuberous rootstock and in the lack of peltate leaves. Several clones have been selected for their vigorous growth and / or bright flowers, e.g. 'Goldtröpfchen'. Recently, a variegated sport ('Frosted Jade') came into the trade.

 

Photo Roy Mottram

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