Bowiea volubilis 'Nana'

Original:Dwarf Climbing Onion (Bowiea nana) grows to 50cm. This unusual and rare house plant has a swollen base that resembles an onion. Vining stems that are actually modified leaves rise from the center of the swollen base. The stems twine around any support. As the stems mature, dense, lacy branches form. Small white flowers appear along its stems in late summer.  Copied from: http://www.pernellgerver.com/dwarfclimbingonion.htm Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent Life cycle: Perennial Minimum cold hardiness:Zone 11 +4.4 °C (40 °F) to +7.2 °C (50 °F) Plant Spread: vine-like inflorescences can grow several feet longFlower Color: Green White Other: Greenish-white Underground structures:Bulb Propagation: Other methods:Offsets Containers:Needs excellent drainage in pots Preferred depth: shallow Prefers to be under-potted This plant is an oddity and a curiosity of the succulent world. Unlike many other types of succulents, Bowiea nana is an opportunistic grower. It will grow and produce its "vines" whenever conditions are to its liking. High heat and drought will quickly put this species into dormancy. The inflorescence will become dry and will eventually fall away, and the bulbs will become covered with a papery envelope of dried leaves similar to the outer skin of an onion. Even if more favorable growing conditions are provided immediately, it will usually take at least several weeks before this plant will break dormancy again. Keeping the plant dry and cool through the winter will keep the plant dormant; if it is kept wetter and warmer, it will tend to grow continuously, even through the winter months. This plant can tolerate more water than most succulents. Good drainage is essential. Copied from: https://garden.org/plants/view/232960/Dwarf-Climbing-Onion-Bowiea-volubilis-Nana/ Plant Habit:Herb/Forb Cactus/Succulent Life cycle:Perennial Minimum cold hardiness:Zone 11 +4.4 °C (40 °F) to +7.2 °C (50 °F) Plant Spread:vine-like inflorescences can grow several feet long Flower Color:Green White Other: Greenish-white Underground structures:Bulb Propagation: Other methods:Offsets Containers:Needs excellent drainage in pots Preferred depth: shallow Prefers to be under-potted Flowers are 16-24 mm in diameter, green, with stalks turning backwards. The species is known to flower between January to March throughout its wide distribution range. Fruits are in the form of a brownish oval capsule, about 25 mm in diameter. Conservation Status This species is listed as Vulnerable in the 2009 Red List due to severe pressure from medicinal-plant harvesting over most of its range in South Africa. Based on observations, provincial authorities estimate a minimum decline of 30% nationally over the past 30 years, and decreases in the number of individual bulbs available in the muthi markets have been noted. Appropriate cultivation techniques and healer training are essential for the protection of this species. Distribution and habitat Bowiea volubilis subsp volubilis occurs in the eastern parts of South Africa ranging from the Eastern Cape to Limpopo Province. It extends north into Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya and has also been recorded in Mozambique, Malawi and Angola. This species occurs at low and medium altitudes, and is usually found along mountain ranges, in thickly vegetated river valleys, under bush clumps and in boulder screes. It has been recorded as scrambling at the margins of karroid, succulent bush in the Eastern Cape, and in KwaZulu-Natal, and it may occur in bushy kloofs at the coast and in the midlands. In Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West Province this species is often found in open woodland or on steep rocky hills usually in well-shaded situations. Bowiea volubilis subsp volubilis tolerates wet and dry conditions, growing predominantly in summer rainfall areas which receive approximately 200 - 800 mm of annual rainfall. Derivation of name and historical aspects Bowiea was named by W.H. Harvey to honour James Bowie (1789-1869), a plant collector for Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The genus is monotypic with two subspecies, volubilis and gariepensis, both occurring in South Africa. The epithet volubilis refers to the subspecies' twining growth whereas gariepensis  refers to the geographical area of growth. The subspecies grow in separate geographical areas and show differences in floral, capsule and seed characters. Ecology Little is known about the pollination of Bowiea. Uses Igibisila is used extensively for medicinal purposes for various skin diseases, sore eyes, bladder problems, barrenness, to facilitate delivery, and to procure abortions. Its magical properties are well-regarded: warriors are made brave and invincible; travellers protected; and love procured with this strange-looking plant. However, it is also known to be very toxic, and both human and animal deaths have been attributed to cardiac failure resulting from ingestion of this plant. Growing Bowiea volubilis Few seeds are set, making offspring numbers low. If fruit are produced, the fine black seeds should be harvested as soon as the capsules start to split. The seeds should be sowed immediately onto a mix of one third sand and two thirds bark in seedling trays, and left for germination in semi-shade. Vegetative propagation of Bowiea volubilis subsp volubilis is extremely slow and requires expensive tissue culture systems. Copied from: http://pza.sanbi.org/bowiea-volubilis New:Succulent plants may store water in various structures, such as leaves and stems. Some definitions also include roots, so that geophytes that survive unfavorable periods by dying back to underground storage organs may be regarded as succulents. In horticultural use, the term "succulent" is often used in a way which excludes plants that botanists would regard as succulents, such as cacti. Succulents are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance. Succulents are very difficult to kill, and if properly potted require little maintenance to survive indoors. Succulents are very adaptable houseplants and will thrive in a range of indoor conditions.

Contributed by @lovestogarden

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  Full sun

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  Very little water

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  A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

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  Light and free draining