Congo Fig

Overview

Dorstenia elata is native to Brazil, where it is an endangered species. It is found in the states of Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Dorstenia is named for Theodor Dorsten (1492–1552), a German botanist, elata is from the Latin elatus, exalted, lofty, high. It is grown for its ornamental flower and leaves. The plant is used in traditional medicines due to its high antioxidant activity, and also as a culinary herb.

Vernacular Names

No found data on this. Need further research.

Agroecology

This tropical plant prefers sandy moist locations. It makes a great low-light houseplant, being able to endure wet soil, dry soil, bright light and near darkness. It does best with filtered light and moist soil that is allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. Average water is needed and water regularly. It will not tolerate overly wet soils. Suitable for growing in containers.

Morphology

• Stem - subterranean stem
• Leaves - glossy dark green lanceolate leaves, up to 25 cm long and 10 or 11 cm wide, create a beautiful rosette of foliage. Petioles are up to 15 cm long.
• Flower - dark purple, the flowering structure is called a hypanthodium, in which the receptacle is fleshy and forms a hollow ball-like structure with an apical opening. Three types of flowers develop on the inner surface of the receptacle: the female flowers are towards the base, the male flowers are towards the orifice, and short-styled sterile flowers are in between. The inflorescence is held on a sturdy stalk, and peaks above the foliage.

Cultivation

Generatively propagated by seed. At maturity, the seeds are ejected up to about a metre from the mother plant, and the plant will spread rapidly.

Chemical Constituents

No found data on this. Need further research.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

It has antioxidant activity. Further research or study is needed to confirm the uses of this species.