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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial,
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.3 m-0.4 m
Spread
:
0.4 m-0.6 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
5 cm
Period
:
January - March
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.4 cm
Boat Lilies are stout perennials with upright shoots up to about 40 cm in height. They grow
in clumps with lush-green leaves some 30 cm long. From beneath, the lance-shaped foliage is
burgundy-purple, creating an interesting contrast. Their origin is southern Mexico, Belize, Gua-
temala and the West Indies, where they flower all year round. In Arriyadh, small flowers appear
whenever conditions are favourable, from boat-like cradles to eventually develop to round seeds.
These easily germinate to form plenty of seedlings, ultimately creating dense mats. It is possible
to prick these offspring or take cuttings from stems or leaves to propagate Boat Lilies. They
grow readily in a wide range of soils, as long as these are well-drained, and they tolerate diverse
light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Although these perennials re-grow after
nipped back by frost, exposed sites should be avoided. In time, the plants become dense clumps
which can be used as border plants, areal cover, mass planting or group planting with a spacing of
between 30 cm and 60 cm. They do well in containers and are popular house plants, but they are
susceptible to the effects of stagnant water and prolonged drought. A cultivar named ‘Variegata’
has cream-coloured stripes and less vigour than the species. It must not be exposed to full sun,
because the variegation will soon be sunburnt. Plants should be handled with care, especially if
cut or bruised, since the sap may cause skin problems.
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Tradescantia spathacea,
Commelinaceae
Moses-in-the-cradle,
Boat Lily