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TriphyophyllumIf you thought Drosophyllum or Byblis gigantea were hard plants to cultivate, then you haven't met Triphyophyllum! This plant is native to the west coast of Africa where collection of seed is nearly impossible due to torrential downpours which wash out almost all access to the sites. A pity, since this plant is nearing extinction from forest removal. The name refers to the fact that three different leaf forms are produced over the course of its life. During the first part of its life, it produces a woody stem several feet high. At some point, leaves start becoming carnivorous, forming long, narrow leaves covered in digestive glands. Finally, Triphyophyllumproduces an extremely tall climbing stem, well over 100 feet in height, at the top of which flowers are formed.
Seed produced is surrounded by a large disk, and look like a frisbee. When detached, the seed floats away on the wind to whatever fate may bring it. SpeciesThere is only one species, Triphyophyllum peltatum. Soil and ContainersVirtually impossible. It has an extensive root system and becomes extremely tall. Only grown in a few botanical greenhouses. ClimateHumidity levels approach almost 100% year round with temperatures up to 30 degrees celsius and higher. This is a true tropical plant. PropagationTriphyophyllumcan be propagated by seed. It is unknown if other methods such as leaf cuttings would work or not. Seasonal CareHard to speculate. Likely that dead growth would need to be removed to discourage fungus. Pests and DiseasesI would presume the main disease to be fungus, since it prefers a very warm, humid environment. Unknown how to treat any of these diseases. |