Status:
valid
Authors:
Britton
Source:
cmp
Year:
1908
Citation Micro:
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 35: 567. 1908
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000654468
Common Names
- Jamaican Dorstenia
- Jamaican Fig
- Jamaican Elephant Fig
Description
Dorstenia jamaicensis (also called Jamaican Fig, among many other common names) is a small, succulent shrub that grows up to 1 m tall. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in lowland rainforests, dry savannas and rocky outcrops. The leaves are simple, ovate or elliptic-ovate, and the flowers are yellowish-green.
Uses & Benefits
Dorstenia jamaicensis is used for its ornamental value in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Dorstenia jamaicensis is yellow and bell-shaped with five petals. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings are small and green with a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dorstenia jamaicensis is a tropical plant native to Jamaica. It is an evergreen perennial that grows in moist, shady areas. It can be propagated by division or by seed. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained, moist soil and kept warm and moist until germination. Once the seedlings have established, they can be transplanted into larger containers or into the garden. The plant prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil and should be kept in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.
Where to Find Dorstenia jamaicensis
Dorstenia jamaicensis is native to Jamaica.
Dorstenia jamaicensis FAQ
What type of soil is best for Dorstenia jamaicensis?
Dorstenia jamaicensis prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
How much light does Dorstenia jamaicensis need?
Dorstenia jamaicensis prefers bright, indirect light.
How often should Dorstenia jamaicensis be watered?
Dorstenia jamaicensis should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Species in the Dorstenia genus
Dorstenia caatingae,
Dorstenia lavrani,
Dorstenia africana,
Dorstenia afromontana,
Dorstenia albertii,
Dorstenia annua,
Dorstenia appendiculata,
Dorstenia arifolia,
Dorstenia aristeguietae,
Dorstenia astyanactis,
Dorstenia bahiensis,
Dorstenia barnimiana,
Dorstenia barteri,
Dorstenia belizensis,
Dorstenia benguellensis,
Dorstenia bergiana,
Dorstenia bicaudata,
Dorstenia bonijesu,
Dorstenia bowmanniana,
Dorstenia brasiliensis,
Dorstenia brevipetiolata,
Dorstenia brownii,
Dorstenia buchananii,
Dorstenia caimitensis,
Dorstenia carautae,
Dorstenia cayapia,
Dorstenia choconiana,
Dorstenia ciliata,
Dorstenia colombiana,
Dorstenia conceptionis,
Dorstenia contensis,
Dorstenia contrajerva,
Dorstenia convexa,
Dorstenia crenulata,
Dorstenia cuspidata,
Dorstenia dinklagei,
Dorstenia dionga,
Dorstenia djettii,
Dorstenia dorstenioides,
Dorstenia drakena,
Dorstenia elata,
Dorstenia ellenbeckiana,
Dorstenia elliptica,
Dorstenia embergeri,
Dorstenia erythrantha,
Dorstenia excentrica,
Dorstenia fawcettii,
Dorstenia flagellifera,
Dorstenia foetida,
Dorstenia gigas,
Species in the Moraceae family
Allaeanthus greveanus,
Allaeanthus kurzii,
Allaeanthus luzonicus,
Allaeanthus zeylanicus,
Antiaris toxicaria,
Antiaropsis decipiens,
Antiaropsis uniflora,
Artocarpus albobrunneus,
Artocarpus altilis,
Artocarpus altissimus,
Artocarpus anisophyllus,
Artocarpus annulatus,
Artocarpus avatifolius,
Artocarpus blancoi,
Artocarpus brevipedunculatus,
Artocarpus camansi,
Artocarpus chama,
Artocarpus corneri,
Artocarpus elasticus,
Artocarpus excelsus,
Artocarpus fulvicortex,
Artocarpus glaucus,
Artocarpus gomezianus,
Artocarpus gongshanensis,
Artocarpus heterophyllus,
Artocarpus hirsutus,
Artocarpus hispidus,
Artocarpus horridus,
Artocarpus hypargyreus,
Artocarpus integer,
Artocarpus jarrettiae,
Artocarpus kemando,
Artocarpus lacucha,
Artocarpus lanceifolius,
Artocarpus longifolius,
Artocarpus lowii,
Artocarpus mariannensis,
Artocarpus multifidus,
Artocarpus nanchuanensis,
Artocarpus nigrifolius,
Artocarpus nitidus,
Artocarpus nobilis,
Artocarpus obtusus,
Artocarpus odoratissimus,
Artocarpus palembanicus,
Artocarpus petelotii,
Artocarpus pinnatisectus,
Artocarpus pithecogallus,
Artocarpus primackii,
Artocarpus reticulatus,