NEMATANTHUS gregarius ( HYPOCYRTA radicans)

Pretty small plant, perennial and evergreen, with rapid growth and ground cover or hanging habit, native to South America: at the maximum of its development it can rise by 20 cm, while it can expand in width even 50 cm and more. Well lignified in the basal part, it has numerous thin stems, flexible and herbaceous, which, rising slightly, preferring instead to crawl on the ground in every direction and branch repeatedly, give the plant the appearance of a regular, dense and rounded carpet. . The leaves, small and opposite, leathery, glabrous and shiny, elliptical in shape with smooth margins and acute apex, are dark green above and lighter, with a marked purple central spot below. From late spring and throughout the summer from the axilla of the most apical leaves, unusual orange-red flowers appear, similar to swollen and pot-bellied capsules, with a minute circular opening forward, which they can recall in the shape of fish: the common name with which this plant is remembered, precisely "goldfish plant".

It prefers shady or partial shade positions and does not like direct sunlight; it prefers fertile and perfectly drained soils. It does not tolerate periods of drought, if not occasional, and instead takes advantage of periodic summer watering. It does not tolerate the salinity of the sea winds of coastal regions, where it is therefore advisable to place it in a sheltered position. It does not tolerate minimum winter temperatures below zero and, indeed, it already suffers when we register 3-2 degrees: therefore, where winter can be cold and long, it is advisable to guarantee it shelter in a cool and bright environment. In spring, at the vegetative restart, by eliminating dry, old, damaged or bulky parts, we can shorten all the stems in order to stimulate a growth that is more compact and therefore a more generous subsequent flowering. It is ideal for growing on terraces and balconies in medium-sized containers: great wall pots or hanging baskets, which allow you to take advantage of the elegant falling nature of its branches. In the garden, obviously choosing a shady position, it can enrich some pockets of our rock, or go down softly from some dry stone wall or dress the foot with small shade bushes.