Nesocodon mauritianus
Sometimes it is the smallest plants that are the most intriguing. Displayed in the glasshouses, in-between other plants and rocks they can surprise you if you look closer.
Nesocodon mauritianus is one of those little gems, endemic to Mauritius and enlisted as Endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book. This evergreen beautifully flowering plant has been grown from wild collected seeds and now is on display in Lowland Tropics glasshouse.
Nesocodon mauritianus has a special relationship with several species of day geckos Phelsuma sp. endemic to Mauritius. Brightly coloured geckos are attracted by its bell-shaped blue flowers to lick the red nectar and pollinate the plant.
Tim S
Well that is good to see! Had no idea where there were any more Nesocodon in the UK. We have a small collection of rare plants here in NI, including three Nesocodon and one has a flower bud close to opening. Can’t wait! If buying some seeds, find out first that they are fresh and then surface sow them.
Paulina Maciejewska-Daruk
Thank you Tim. Our plants were grown from wild collected seeds. Flowering vigorously since spring!
Tim S
Not jealous- much! Mine are still finding their feet; seeds were sown early last December. How many flowers/plants needed to produce their own seeds? Be good to increase the population of these little chaps
Paulina Maciejewska-Daruk
They don’t self pollinate and I didn’t try to hand pollinate them yet as I want them to grow stronger. I presume that at least two plants grown from seeds would be enough for cross-pollination. Good luck with your plants!