Codariocalyx motorius Seeds | Dancing Plant
LATIN NAME: Codariocalyx motorius
COMMON NAME: Telegraph Plant, Dancing Plant, Semaphore Plant
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Telegraph Plant (Codariocalyx motorius) is a perennial in the pea family. Telegraph plant is one of the most curious of the plants of the world, and it is famous for the dance of its leaves. Moving leaflets have given plant its many names, and it has been a wonder of gardens for a long time. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Codariocalyx motorius, a representative of the pea family with clear practical value. Telegraph plant has a genuine and distinguished place in plant science research. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Telegraph Plant brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, telegraph plant is a remarkable plant of tropical forest edge. Its flowers feed insects, and its moving leaves, which may help it catch shifting light of forest, are among wonders of plant world, while it is a native member of the tropical Asian landscape. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture and in science. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Beyond its looks, it serves the wider garden: the flowers feed bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, and stems cut for the vase bring the season indoors.
Growing from Seed
Telegraph Plant is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
As a perennial, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
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