Monadenium "Tanzania"

     This plant was sold to me by Kristy at Arid Lands, early summer 2005. It was a beautiful purple color so it caught my eye immediately. She called it Monadenium "Tanzania". After an extensive search I did find one reference to a Monadenium "Tanzania" in a 2004 ACSS newsletter. I was also encouraged by a potfull of these at a Cacti and Succulent show in Phoenix. It was also identified as Monadenium "Tanzania". So for now, that's what we'll call it. Of all the Monadenium pics I've looked at, it looks most like Monadenium reflexum, probably related, maybe a variety, subspecies, or hybrid with another Monadenium. The biggest differences I've noted, are the ruffle edged leaves and flower color. Also M. reflexums tubercules seem to droop a bit whereas mine stick straight out. Other than that they are real close.
     Since I can find no real info on this plant, the following info is about Monadenium reflexum. It comes from northeastern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. So it has a somewhat limited range, howhever, Tanzania borders Kenya. The pictures I've seen are of a solitary or branching plant with ever so slightly ruffled but mostly smooth leaves and yellow flowers. I have no information on how big it gets or how fast it grows, though Brookside Nursery reports it grows slowly. My plant doubled in size in just one season!
     Whatever it is, it's a very cool plant. I just wish I had bought two. Also I can't seem to quite get it back to the color it was when I first bought it. I'm presently moving it slowly into brighter light to see if that makes the difference. Click below for more pictures of this marvelous plant.

Newly potted shortly after I aqcuired it. A lovely purple plant about six inches tall.	Another shot with it's Dorstenia and Euphorbia companions, about mid summer.	Starkly beautiful even when leafless in winter.	Leafless and flowering in my greenhouse, late winter. Good view of the tubercules.
A closeup of the branching and beautifully marbled cyathia and pink flowers.	A closeup of the ruffled purple edged leaves.