Bikkia

[Fouquieria]

I've posted images of these on other sites before but not here.

These are shrubs that are mostly endemic to New Caledonia.  I really don't know much about them except that I think they are quite lovely and unusual.  Interesting that such a varied and potentially horticulturally significant family is so little known.

Anyway, here are some pics...mostly from the endemia site:

Bikkia pachyphylla--

Bikkia macrophylla--

[Fouquieria]

Some more:

Bikkia artensis--

Bikkia campanulata--

Bikkia lenormandii--

[Fouquieria]

Some more:

Bikkia neriifolia--

Bikkia retusiflora--

Bikkia tetranda--

[Fouquieria]

This is the last:

Bikkia tubiflora--

[MattyB]

I like 'em!  Sorta reminds me of a skinny plumeria with droopy flowers.  Sorta.

[mppalms]

Those are cool shrubs.  Any idea about the elevations at which they grow?

Jason

[Fouquieria]

Those are cool shrubs.  Any idea about the elevations at which they grow?

Jason, they all are endemic to New Caledonia, so I would assume it depends on which species.   They probably each have their individual niches.

I have no idea how one would go about getting seeds or plants of these.  I felt these were a beautiful, interesting, and unique plant to present to this board.  I wish I knew more about them.

-Ron-

[Carlo Morici]

I find this genus fascinating. New Caledonia has 11 species of Bikkia and 10 are endemic, generally found at mid to high elevations. Most grow in "Maquis Minier", the "minery scrubland", with serpentine-derived soil rich in metals. They are probably difficult to grow in the average garden.

Bikkia tetrandra is the non-endemic white flowered species, pictured above. It grows at low elevation in coastal environments, often on coral outcrops. This will possibly be easier to grow and maybe it could be tried as a rootstock for grafting.

Carlo

[fastfeat]

Are these members of the dogbane family, Apocyanaceae (oleander, plumeria, etc)?

[Carlo Morici]

It is in the Rubiaceae family.... coffee, gardenias...

The trumpet shaped flowers are somehow reminiscent of the american genera Cubanola or Portlandia (in Rubiaceae too).

Carlo

[fastfeat]

Thanks Carlo--

Can definitely see the similarity to Portlandia, Cubanola.