Also known as Bear's Foot · Bear's-Foot · Landmine Bearpaw
Platdoring (Arctopus echinatus) is a low-growing, spiny shrub native to South Africa, known for its unique woody fruit that resembles a burr.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter climates
Allow soil to dry between waterings
50% intensity
Avoid overwatering, especially in winter
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate to warm
50% intensity
Protect from frost; prefers temperatures between 15-25°C
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Arctopus echinatus prefers well-drained soil and dislikes consistently wet conditions. Water moderately during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Arctopus echinatus unless removing dead or damaged foliage. If you need to shape the plant or control its size, do so sparingly after flowering.
Use clean, sharp secateurs to make precise cuts just above a leaf node.
Propagation is typically done by seed. Sow seeds in autumn or early spring in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Some species may benefit from a period of cold stratification.
Cuttings are rarely successful and require specialized conditions.
Repot Arctopus echinatus only when necessary, usually every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix.
Repot in spring before new growth begins, disturbing the root ball as little as possible.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Platdoring (Arctopus echinatus)
Where Platdoring (Arctopus echinatus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Arctopus |
| Species | Arctopus echinatus |
Similar in genus Arctopus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
