If someone where to ask me what my favorite plants is, Operculicarya decaryi would be at the top of the list! I first discovered this plant about twelve years ago, and it quickly became my favorite plant.
O. decaryi originates from Madagascar, and like most plants from this island has many unique and exotic characteristics. This plant is a "natural" bonsai. It grows a thick-fat trunk quickly, and its roots also swell to form unique contorted and twisted designs. The leaves are also very tiny, which work proportionally for that "bonsai" look. The leaves can vary from green in part shade to a copper-bronze color in full sun. Trunk texture can vary from semi-smooth to a extreme bumpy-knobby look. This extreme knobby trunk texture is sought out by collectors, and is also my favorite look. O. decaryi is dioecious, which means that plants are either male or female blooming. You must have a male and female plant to produce seed! Seeds are about a quarter inch in size, and turn dark purple color when ripe. This is a easy plant to cultivate!
Operculicarya decaryi prefers part to full sun. I grow my plants with some shade or filtered light for part of the day. Keep watered regularly, since it is a tree. I use a well drained soil with at least 50% inorganics. Fertilize regularly for good growth and health. Avoid freezing temperatures. During the winter they may go dormant, so water less during this period. O. decaryi can be grown from cuttings or seed. I prefer to grow my plants from seed. Seed grown plants produce better looking roots which can be exposed as your plant grows. Also by choosing parent plants with certain characteristics, seedlings will carry on these traits, like the extreme "bumpy" trunks. There are several other species of Operculicarya, which are worth seeking out for your collection, such as O. pachypus.
