Brachystelma circinatum E.Mey.
Curly-stemmed Brachystelma
South African geophyte with annual stems that coil spirally as they mature (hence its name), native to grasslands on dolomite outcrops in the South African interior. Its small flowers are dark-coloured, greenish-brown to black, with reflexed corolla lobes connate at the apex forming a cage that temporarily traps pollinators.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© SAplants, CC BY-SA 4.0
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Brachystelma |
| Growth Habit | Seasonal herbaceous geophyte; slender stems 15–30 cm that become circinate (coiled) at maturity; flattened tuber 4–10 cm in diameter |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Clay-loam or loamy on dolomitic substrate; well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Clay-loam or loamy on dolomitic substrate; well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
N
W
Every 4–5 years
Quarter-strength mineral fertilizer once every 6 weeks in the growing season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented toxicity data; likely contains glycosides as a member of Asclepiadoideae
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The name circinatum refers to the coiling of the stems in a spiral as they mature, a diagnostic feature of the species. It flowers in October–December (southern hemisphere), often shortly after controlled grassland burns."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.