Family: Asteraceae
Scientific name: Dendroseris litoralis
Common name: Cabbage tree
Origin: Robinson Crusoe Island

This species is found only on Robinson Crusoe Island: a small island in the Pacific Ocean 670 kilometers west of Chile. In the 1980s there were only 3 plants left and the species is still very rare on the island due to loss of habitat. In culture, the species is fortunately becoming more common again and it would be wonderful if the populations in nature could also recover. 

It is a small tree with a special appearance, especially the cabbage-like leaves stand out. These can reach a size of 40 cm and have a light vein and leaf stalk. They are edible and are therefore really similar to cabbage, but the species is of course too rare to eat. The flowers are orange and are pollinated by hummingbirds. The island has a cool and humid climate, so the plant is best grown as a houseplant at a temperature between 15 and 25 deg C. However, in the summer months it can be placed in a cool spot outside. Provide a bright spot without direct sunlight, a well-drained soil and water regularly. The maximum height in a pot will be about 1.5 meters and at that height the plant can also flower.

Sowing description: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours and then sow shallowly in sowing and cutting soil. Cover only very lightly with soil and let germinate at room temperature. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist. Germination usually within a few weeks.

Sowing period: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius