Myrrhidendron (Apiaceae) BSWJ10699

glaucescens

An appealing perennial species of this rare genus, which we found growing at well over 4000m in the clouds on the slopes of Volcán El Ruiz in southern Colombia in 2004. Where it formed small colonies only 1.5m across in the Paramo, of stems no taller than 1m. Bearing broad divided leaves on petioles that clasped the stems topped by broad fleshy umbels 20cm across, of white ageing to bright green flowers, followed by the characteristic upright elongated seed. Best grown in a cool site in any type of drained soil with some moisture retention.