{"title":"Sarcocaulon","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"sarcocaulon-vanderitiae","title":"Sarcocaulon vanderietiae","description":"\u003cp\u003eSarcocaulon vanderietiae is one of the faster-growing and more forgiving members of the so-called “Bushmen’s Candles,” a name tied to the allegedly flammable remains that collect across parts of coastal Namibia and South Africa. The genus is known for its uniform, prostrate branching and for experimenting with an unusual range of armaments and foliage, much of which seems to have worked well enough to persist in barren, over-grazed landscapes. This species grows thinner, less tree-like branches that harden with age but expand quickly when conditions allow. For vanderietiae, those conditions are far less narrow than in many of its relatives, which are often regarded as touchy and strictly winter-growing. Because of this flexibility, we’ve found it to be an excellent beginner caudiciform for anyone drawn to the low, branching, natural bonsai look. It’s also one of the better candidates in the genus for drought-tolerant landscaping, where a young plant can become a substantial accent nestled among rocks in relatively little time. The genus is closely related to Pelargoniums and Geraniums, and was recently placed in Monsonia alongside a set of morphologically distinct annuals, a reclassification that remains debated and not widely followed. The most obvious point of connection is the flowers, which in this group are some of the most attractive. S. vanderietiae has some of the largest, with vivid white petals and an eagerness to flower generously.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50903090823448,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/sarco.png?v=1763687426"},{"product_id":"sarcocaulon-multifidum","title":"Sarcocaulon multifidum","description":"\u003cp\u003eSarcocaulon multifidum is one of the rarest and most desirable of the “bushmen’s candles”, a name given for the thick stems that are allegedly flammable enough to provide a torch for the wandering bushman. This species, along with the other rare members of the genus, have an almost cult-like following for their alien-looking growth habit contrasted by delicate-looking foliage and blooms with a classic beauty capable of charming even the more traditional flower garden appreciators. From the border between South Africa and Namibia, this species grows in an area that receives some rain throughout the year. As a result, plants in cultivation can be rather opportunistic, staying in growth regardless of the outdoor conditions. The heavily dissected, feathery blue-green foliage and thick prostrate grey caudex gives S. multifidum an elegant appearance that looks unlike anything else besides S. peniculinum, which can be easily distinguished from the flower, S. multifidum having strong red blotches towards the center of the flower, whereas S. peniculinum has solid colored petals. The primary color of the petals on this species can vary from pink to white, and an individual plant can produce both colors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954371494168,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/sarcocaulonmultifidum_6aabadb2-856a-4d46-82ec-c5ba78fb6cfa.png?v=1776321882"},{"product_id":"sarcocaulon-inerme","title":"Sarcocaulon inerme","description":"\u003cp\u003eOf all the plants we grow, these Sarcocaulon inerme seedlings are among our proudest achievements and represent the fruition of years spent tracking down parent material and painstakingly propagating it. This member of the highly sought-after “Bushman’s candles” is so rare that few collectors are even familiar with it, despite it also being one of the most attractive members of the genus. Sarcocaulon inerme is named for its spineless stems, a trait it shares with S. peniculinum and S. multifidum, but it has distinct wavy foliage covered with velvety fuzz and bordered by a translucent, almost crystalline margin that glimmers in the light. This species is just as rare in the wild, being known from an extremely harsh locality near the Orange River in Namibia on a hillside that’s mined for lead and zinc. The area is rich in Sarcocaulon species and receives scant rainfall, influenced by both the winter-rainfall climate of Namaqualand to the south and the summer-rainfall Namibian and Angolan deserts to the north. We treat these as opportunistic growers and continue watering when they are in leaf, regardless of conditions. During the extreme heat these plants would experience in Namibia, their leaves fold to protect the surface and open again when conditions are opportune. We are releasing only a few seedlings of this spectacular species, which has garnered mythic status among collectors seeking the rarest of rare plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52458574184728,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/sarcocauloninerme.png?v=1785376981"}],"url":"https:\/\/rareplantcatalog.com\/collections\/genus-sarcocaulon.oembed","provider":"Rare Plant Catalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}