Fame flower
TALINUM is a herbaceous succulent flower plant in the Talinaceae family, and among its common names are fame flower and Jewel of Opar.
The botanical name is Talinum paniculatum. The plant, growing mainly in the form of a mound, reaches up to four feet in height . Talinum was reputedly named Jewel of Opar after the ancient African city of Ophir, which was said to be the source of rich treasures of frankincense and gold.
It is native to the central and southern United States (US) and Central America, and is widely cultivated in China.
This flower plant, like others, adds a welcome splash of colour to the garden. The foliage of glossy pointed leaves are in colour chartreuse (halfway between yellow and green), and has a soft appearance, giving Talinum  a delicate look.
The individual flowers, on stalks, are small but are massed together in combination with the red bead-like buds and fruits.
The profusion of long, thin wands with brightly coloured fuchsia (brilliant pink) flowers and ruby-like seedpods is reminiscent of fireworks.
The chartreuse foliage (yellowish green) can brighten a shady area, complement darker foliage, or be used as an occasional accent.
Talinum can be used as edging in a mixed border, or as a ground cover, and is especially eye-catching in mass plantings.
Talinum can also be used as a container plant, or indoors as a houseplant.
It is a favourite with bees, and grows in well-drained soil in full to part sun.
The thick, tuberous root stores moisture, and releases it when water is scarce, making the plant heat and drought-resistant.
Essentially maintenance-free, it can easily be grown from seed.
Talinum paniculatum or Jewel of Opar  is available locally at the #1 Plant Shop at 70 Sheriff Street Campbelville: Telephone # 227 8094.