Raphionacme hirsuta seeds grow into a hairy tuberous geophyte native to the subtropical biome of South Africa — the epithet hirsuta meaning 'hairy', referring to the distinctive, softly hairy coating on the stems and leaves that distinguishes this species from its relatives. Like all Raphionacme, it develops an underground tuberous caudex that stores water and nutrients through the dormant dry season, producing seasonal twining or spreading stems with hairy leaves and the small, characteristic flowers of the milkweed subfamily. One of the most tactilely distinctive members of the genus. Family Apocynaceae.Sharp drainage, moderate conditions (it tolerates cooler temperatures than many tropical Raphionacme) and a dry rest when dormant replicate the subtropical South African conditions of its native habitat. Distinctly hairy stems and leaves — the immediately recognisable character behind 'hirsuta' Underground tuberous caudex; subtropical biome of South Africa S. Africa — subtropical biome; tolerates cooler conditions than tropical species Family Apocynaceae; tuberous geophyte; softly tactile texture Sharp drainage; moderate conditions; dry dormancy rest Raphionacme hirsuta is the most tactilely distinctive member of the genus — its softly hairy stems and leaves create an immediately recognisable texture quite different from the typical glossy-stemmed species, a rewarding South African caudiciform for collectors of southern African Apocynaceae. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
