Codariocalyx Species, Semaphore Plant, Telegraph Plant

Codariocalyxmotorius

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Synonym
Codariocalyx gyrans
Desmodium gyrans
Desmodium motorium
Hedysarum gyrans
Meibomia gyrans
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Perennials
Shrubs
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Scarify seed before sowing
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

La Habra, California

San Leandro, California

Fountain, Florida

Merritt Island, Florida

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
2
neutrals
1
negative
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H
Houston, TX (Zone 9a) | August 2020 | positive

I just double checked my purchase order. I ordered my seeds in May 2019. So it has been a little over a year.

I have no ...Read More

T
San Leandro, CA | March 2017 | positive

My telegraph plants sprung up within two weeks and are now growing strong and fast, they are still a little short but seem to be doing we...Read More

J
Toronto, ON (Zone 6a) | January 2016 | neutral

This is fun from seed to grow small leaflets can move which is fun but I discovered my plants stop doing that after I did stem cuttings o...Read More

J
| June 2007 | negative

My telegraph plant isn't doing so well. It's leaves are yellowed (veins still green) and the leaf edges are browned. New growth starts ou...Read More

C
Crossville, TN (Zone 7a) | March 2005 | positive

This plant is truly wonderful!
We purchased 20 seeds and had 100% germination. The plants really do 'dance' in their own way. ...Read More

H
H
San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) | February 2005 | neutral

The small leaves are sensitive to sunshine, warmth, sound and touch and they will move with jerky motions even with the slightest vibrati...Read More

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