Friday, December 31, 2010

Deuterocohnia brevifolia


This plant may be cushion-shaped, but it is not soft. It looks more like a spiny boulder to me. It is also called "rosette forming" and "ground covering" but those descriptions do not do it justice. It is is in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae) and makes me think of a thousand tiny pineapple tops all cramped together in a mound. It likes bright sun and well-drained soil. Does well in pots. Drought tolerant, but it does appreciate some water and mist. Deer resistant! What deer would want all those spines in its mouth? An easy to grow and unusual plant. Not right for every garden, but a great conversation piece.

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