Othonnais a genus of more than 100 African plants in the familyAsteraceae . These areevergreenordeciduousgeophytes , dwarfsucculents , or shrubs concentrated in the Western Cape province ofSouth Africaand southernNamibia . A few species pass off in summertime rain parts of southernAfrica . The genus is tight allied toSenecioand can be distinguished primarily by detail of the involucre .
The mannequin or use ofOthonnas is very diverse . Leaf diverseness is also notable in this genus . A few coinage possess extremely succulent leave ( Othonna capensisand Othonna sedifolia ) , but most have bifacial leaves that are only slightly succulent . Size and shape are variable , with most species have from 0.4 to 4 inches ( 1 to 10 cm ) retentive leaves .
The bright yellow ( occasionally blanched or majestic ) flower are the most distinguishing characteristic of the genus , and the efflorescence times disagree from unlike species . Some peak just before the start of their summer rest , and others blossom after fall growth begins .
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Othonnashave a varying range of habitat , some grow in very hot arid region , but they forefend the intense desiccating rays of the north and west sun , growing between rocks in southern slope . On the opposite , a few species mature in direct sunlight in arid situation that become very blistering and juiceless and impregnate for a few calendar week during their growing period of time . AllOthonnas arise in very open office with plenty of free aviation circulation .
The overweight leaves and daisy - same flowers makeOthonnasexcellent in a desert or stone garden ( where hardy ) or indoors ashouseplantsor greenhouse specimen .
othonna incline to be fairly hardy , but asOthonna cacalioides , some can be extremely hard to develop in cultivation . Keep them in matted pots if you do not give them the right precondition and space to develop the radicular organization . In summer , protect plant from direct sunlight . They like to be damp , fresh and have plenty of visible radiation in the get season . They do not like temperature below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .
In the warmer months , Othonnas go into their quiescency menstruation . Stop lachrymation , and place them in a shaded , cooler surface area , away from direct sunlight , relatively dry , and with in force melodic line circulation . When Nox cool down in the declination , the works may start growing on their own , but a sound soaking will assist them to leaf out .
A typical succulent soil mixing should be suitable for growingOthonnas , but additional drainage textile would be recommended .
Start germ in spring at 64 to 70 ° F ( 18 to 21 ° C ) . plant can also be propagated from basal or semi - right cuttings in later summertime using bottom heat .
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