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Star in the center (20)
saguzar
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1131 W: 73 N: 1307]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (6822) | A close-up view of vygie centre´s flower (we call it mesem naranja or rayito de sol, means little sun beam) , a plant native from South Africa and cultivated in many gardens in Argentina.
Scientific clasification:
Angisospermas
Dicotyledoneae
Aizoaceae
Lampranthus aureus
Description
This vygie, Lampranthus aureus,(vygies also refer to other colourful plants in the family Aizoaceae) is a neatly rounded, erect, small shrub that grows up to about 400 x 500 mm. The leaves are paired, free or slightly fused at the base, dark green and grow to 50 mm. The most attractive aspect of the plant is its unbelievably bright orange flowers. The shiny orange flowers are borne singly or in clusters on short stalks, are 60 mm in diameter and appear from August. Yellow forms also occur. Flowers are followed by a woody fruit capsule that has five locules (locules are little compartments in which the seeds are borne).
Distribution
Lampranthus aureus occurs in a broad band along the southwest and west coast of Western Cape from Vredenburg to Saldanha. The plants seem to have a preference for sandy, loamy soils and granite outcrops.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
The name is derived from the Greek words, lampros (bright) and anthos (flower), referring to the large showy flowers. The Lampranthus genus is one of the largest genera in the Aizoaceae family. The genus consists of 227 species and 13 varieties. Other related species are found along the coast of Namibia, Northern, Western and Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.
More info in english at: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/lampranaureus.htm
A full view of flowers in workshop |
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