Any othonna expert around?

[AnTTun]

These two came to me as 'othonna spec. (akkerendam)'. My other othonnas don't grow branches, at least nothing this long (10-15 cms). I guess they (if they are othonnas at all ) originate from Akkerendam province in SAR / RSA... Anyone knows something (more)?

[MikeDom]

They do look very much like Othonnas Anttun. They look very similar to the unnamed species found near Clanwilliam Dam, except the caudex in that species is more elongated. The branches are very similar and grow sometimes over 30cm.

Other examples of Othonnas that do produce branches include O. triplinerva and O. silenifolia. These are some cuttings of O. silenifolia in flower at the moment to show the branching, although the photo isn't very good. I have just managed to produce seed by crossing this with O. dentata so have no idea what that will come out like assuming they are viable seeds, but they do seem to hybridize quite easily.

[AnTTun]

Thanks for very helpful reply Mike. My other othonnas are rather small / short that's why my doubt.... If I got your post right, you cut & root branches of some of your own? They root easily ('dip & wait') or there are some tips & tricks?

[MikeDom]

Thanks for very helpful reply Mike. My other othonnas are rather small / short that's why my doubt.... If I got your post right, you cut & root branches of some of your own? They root easily ('dip & wait') or there are some tips & tricks?

Dip and wait, just do it in the cool months or in a cool greenhouse during summer. Usually rooting happens by about 6 weeks.

[AnTTun]

Thanks again Mike. Which part of the year would you suggest for sowing?

[MikeDom]

I have several varieties to sow. I will sow half of each variety now and half in September. Only just cover them with a sprinkling of sand, do not bury them.

[Terry S.]

But don't forget that MikeDom has a VERY cool greenhouse (see thread on winter-growers). I would not sow the seed of winter-growing succulents before September under my hotter conditions. I have some nice 5mm caudeces of Othonna euphorbioides from a sowing made in January this year. And if you can wait for your next CactusWorld, I have written an article on othonnas for it.

[AnTTun]

I have air conditioned room with a lot of light (should help germination?) and temp between 22 - 25 C. Is that 'cool' enough or I should look for a free place in the fridge?

Also, should I move the seed to some warmer / colder place on daily basis or constant temperature is OK?

[ralphrmartin]

Hi Antun,

sorry for the late reply - just got back from a trip. I have an Othonna which looks very much like yours, and its label says:

Othonna aff. pachypoda Cango Caves, Oudtshorn.

[Aiko]

That should be 'Oudtshoorn', I assume.