Sweet Prayer Plant
Thaumatococcus daniellii
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Pl. 34B3 — Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus daniellii
IOverview
Overview
Sweet Prayer Plant, scientifically known as Thaumatococcus daniellii, is a perennial shrub native to several West and Central African countries including Burkina Faso, Cabinda, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin region. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial to full shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions. Known for its ornamental value as well as its edible properties, Sweet Prayer Plant is valued both for its attractive foliage and the use of its leaves and seeds. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 2 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its hardiness within USDA zones 10-12.
Quick answers
What is Sweet Prayer Plant?
Sweet Prayer Plant, scientifically known as Thaumatococcus daniellii, is a perennial shrub native to several West and Central African countries including Burkina Faso, Cabinda, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin region.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sweet Prayer Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is medium or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for subtropical climates. For propagation, use seeds. This perennial plant is native to regions of West and Central Africa and is known for its edible leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sweet Prayer Plant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple setup for your Sweet Prayer Plant, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, quality potting soil, and a Sweet Prayer Plant seedling.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant from a small pot to a larger one as needed, keeping it in partial shade initially.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide medium to heavy moisture and place in a location with partial sun or full shade.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to maintain shape, focusing on removing dead or yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing it in direct sunlight, and neglecting to prune are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:ContainerstextilesRoofing
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 16 native· 1 introduced
Africa11 regions
native (11)Burkina FasoCameroonCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaGabonGhanaGuineaLiberiaNigeriaSierra LeoneTogo
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
introduced:Malaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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