INTRODUCTION

Image of Nastanthus spathulatus

VII Region, Laguna Maule, Chile
Altitude: 1600-2600 m. 02 11, 2006

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Perennial

Flower: Green, 5 petals

Height: 15 cm.

Image of Nastanthus spathulatus

VII Region, Laguna Maule, Chile
Altitude: 1600-2600 m. 02 11, 2006

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

Extreme altitude well beyond the timber line
High altitude close to the timber line

Watering conditions:

The plant grows in water or it has its roots within a permanent water course. This corresponds to marshes, bogs, water courses, lake and river shores.
Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).
Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.

Image of Nastanthus spathulatus

VII Region, Laguna Maule, Chile
Altitude: 1600-2600 m. 02 11, 2006

USES

No ornamental value (C)

Image of Nastanthus spathulatus

Region Metropolitana, Embalse Yeso, Chile
Altitude: 1400-2900 m. 02 27, 2006

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).

Difficult to cultivate

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (12) of Nastanthus spathulatus (Phil.) Miers available here

More species from the same Calyceraceae family in our data base:

Calycera herbacea (Calicera)

Calycera sessiliflora

Gamocarpha alpina

Nastanthus agglomeratus (Coliflor del cerro)

Nastanthus caespitosus

Nastanthus spathulatus (Nastanto)