Family: Malvaceae
Scientific name: Chiranthodendron pentadactylon
Common name: Monkey's hand tree / Mexican hand tree
Origin: Guatemala

The monkey's hand tree may be the most beautiful container plant in the world. This stunning plant with impressive leaves can withstand temperatures up to 6 degrees below zero when it has aged. Young plants should nevertheless be protected against frost. The name monkey's hand tree comes from the shape of the flowers which resemble to the claws of monkeys. Chiranthodendron is Latin for hand-flower-tree en pentadactylon means five fingers. The flowers are bright red and the species produces large, beautiful heart-shaped leaves.
The species originates from the rural forests in Guatemala. The seeds are only seldom available and have to germinate fast. For that reason, delivery of this species can take a couple of months. But it’s worth the waiting.

Sowing description: First soak the seeds in water (20-25degC) for 24 hours. Then sow them in sowing mix at 25-27 degC. Keep the soil constantly moist. Germination can occur in 6 to 14 weeks, but can be difficult. 

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: -6 degrees Celcius


Photo 1: Xerantheum via Flickr
Photo 2: Stan Shebs (CCA-1.2 Wikipedia)
Photo 3: James Gaither via Flickr