Jepsonia malvifolia is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family known by the common name island jepsonia. It is found only on the Channel Islands of California and Guadalupe Island off Baja California. It grows in exposed rock and clay soils on the chaparral and scrub slopes of the islands. This is a small perennial herb producing two or three leaves from a flat caudex. The green leaves are round or kidney-shaped and edged with ruffled lobes. The plant flowers in fall, producing an inflorescence on a tall peduncle. The tiny flowers have red-veined white, yellowish, or pinkish petals. The fruit is a tan-striped greenish capsule.
Island jepsonia displays strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Island jepsoniat is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much care experience.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Jepsonia
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
Other names.
