Psacalium (Asteraceae) BSWJ10269

pinetorum

This will be the first of several species that we hope to introduce, from Central America, where they inhabit the understorey of pine forests. Superficially imitating the foliage of a large Podophyllum with large peltate (the stalk is in the middle of the leaf) leaves to 1m across. The flowers undoubtedly give the game away though more akin to Syneilesis, but more substantial with scapes to 1.3m tall. Our collection from the lofty slopes of Volcán Pico de Orizaba in Central Mexico in the autumn of 2004. Best grown in light shade in a soil that is well drained but with some water retention, protect the roots from severe frosts.