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Plectranthus socotranus (Mint of Socotra) A very small compact upright growing succulent subshrub to about 1 foot tall with aromatic 1/2-inch-long fleshy elliptic light green leaves that are smooth with a silvery cast on the upper surface and prominent veins decorating the convex lower surface and with slightly notched margins that have a light brown edge which is enhanced with cool weather. We have not seen this plant bloom.
Plant in full sun to brightly lit shade in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally. We have not tested this plant for hardiness below 32F but most Plectranthus, even ones that come from colder climates than this, are a bit sensitive to a frost and one might want to protect this little jewel. This plant is a bit brittle so keep it away from areas where it might get bumped into, but the broken leaves will initiate roots to make tiny new plants. The scent has been likened to a combination of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol and persists on one's fingers once touched.
We first got this plant from our friend John Bleck who received it from Gary James. Mr James collected the plant in February 1999 at 1640 feet in elevation at at Qaysuh, near the village of Khalansiya, Socotra, Yemen. It was originally grown at the Huntington Botanic Garden (HBG 87322) and was an International Succulent Introduction in 2002 (ISI 2002-37). The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'plektron' meaning a "spur" and 'anthos' meaning "flower" in reference to the spur that is found at the base of the corolla tube of the type species Plectranthus fruticosus. This species was originally described by Alan Radcliffe-Smith in 1971 in Hooker's Icones Plantarum. The species epithlet refers to its origins on the island of Socotra off the Arabian Peninsula. It is on the Red List of Threatened Species in the category of least concern.
The information displayed on this page about Plectranthus socotranus is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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