Acokanthera

Family. Apocynaceae.

Origin. 5 species in Arabia and tropical eastern and southern Africa.

Description. Acokanthera is an evergreen shrub, sometimes a small tree, up to 6 m, grows slowly. Contains poisonous sticky milky juice. Characterized by the presence of fragrant flowers with a sweetish aroma. The leaves are opposite, smooth, usually obovate, sometimes elliptical. The inflorescence is apical, 1 - 2 - flowered. The flowers are almost sessile, collected in dense heads, softly pubescent on the outside, white or pink, with a strong aroma; the petals are ovate-lanceolate. The poisonous berries are green, and as they ripen they turn bright purple or black.

Height. Up to 6 meters in natural environment.

Acokanthera - home care

Temperature of the flower content

The usual room temperature of 20 - 26°C is quite suitable. In winter at 12 - 15°C. 

Lighting

Acokanthera prefers direct sunlight.

Growing acocanthera

Acokanthera is an unpretentious plant for the home; the flowers will feel great in summer in pots outside. You can trim the plant; pinching the tops promotes better branching.

Soil for plants

Well-drained, fertile, soil pH 6.0 to 8.0. 

Feeding

Feed every 14 days during the growing season. 

When does acokanthera bloom?

The plant is distinguished by very early flowering - it can begin as early as the end of winter and lasts until mid-spring.

Purpose

An attractive ornamental foliage and flowering plant for the winter garden.

Air humidity

Only high humidity is suitable - about 70%; it must be sprayed regularly.

Watering

Water with soft water abundantly and regularly during the growing season; in the winter months, do not allow the earthen clod to dry out. 

Transplantation of acocanthera

Approximately every 2 - 3 years as the plant grows.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring or autumn at a temperature of about 22°C. Using apical cuttings at 25 - 30° C, always rooting them under glass in warm sand. 

Pests and diseases

Very rarely, spider mites and scale insects sometimes appear.

Note

Keep in a greenhouse where the temperature is controlled. The plant is very poisonous! 

Varieties: 

Acokanthera oblongifolia

   An evergreen shrub with dark green, oblong, glossy, thick leaves. The lower surface of the leaf blade is painted in a lighter shade. The flowers are white and pink, collected in large inflorescences - brushes. Flowering is long lasting. The fruits are oval and become black when ripe.