Red/baby sun rose


Red/baby sun rose

Aptenia cordifolia

Scientific name

Aptenia cordifolia is an evergreen and fast-growing succulent, often a short-lived perennial, 250 mm high. The roots are fleshy and thick. The succulent stems are four-angled or rounded, 600 mm long, and grow flat on the ground. Bladder or water cells are closely arranged on the surfaces of the stems and shine in the sunlight. The green leaves are fleshy, flat, heart- to oval-shaped, 60 x 25 mm long, and are widely spaced in pairs or singularly arranged. Water cells are scattered on the leaf surface.

It is used as an non-inflammatory, dressing poultice, deodorant, sore joints, love and luck charm, enema for babies, anti-witchcraft.

References and further reading

PlantZAfrica profile »

Wikipedia page »

We currently have no seeds of this species in our seedbanks. Do you have any seeds or do you know where we can get some? Get in touch!

Important characteristics

This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.

It provides medicinal value

Suitable for sandy soil

It provides food for:

Honeybees/flies

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