Nautilocalyx

(Nautiloca'lyx)

DESCRIPTION: These frost-tender perennials are natives of South America. They are mainly grown for the beauty of their leaves. N. lynchii is an erect-growing, bushy plant, which grows up to 2 feet high and wide. Its oval lance-shaped, crinkled leaves are shiny, dark greenish-red on top tinted with red beneath. Small, tubular flowers are borne in axillary clusters, in the summer. They are light yellow with red-hairs and purple speckles inside. M. bullatus has olive-green or bronze-green, wrinkled leaves and pale yellow flowers and M. Forgetii has bright green leaves veined with a darker color and flowers with reddish calyx lobes spotted with green.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cool climates grow as a house or greenhouse plant in coarse, porous, rich soil with leaf mold, peat moss, or compost added. They need a very humid atmosphere and shade from direct sun. The soil should always be just moist in the summer; less in the winter.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings and leaf cuttings may be used to increase your plants in the summer, and seeds may be used in the spring.

VARIETIES: M. lynchii; M. bullatus; M. Forgetii.

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