Congo Fig Dorstenia elata

The mattress button plant is a herbaceous perennial shrub species native to the warm and tropical climate of Eastern Brazil. This plant is found in the Atlantic forests in the states of Espirito Santo, Mineas Gerasis, and Rio de Janeiro, and it is an endangered species. It is a member of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and is grown for its ornamental flowers and leaves. This plant grows 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 1.5 to 2 feet wide, has dark green, glossy leaves, and flowers and fruits appear in the spring and summer. The genus, Dorstenia, is named for a German botanist, Theodor Dorsten (1492-1552). The specific epithet, elata, is from the Latin word, elatus, meaning "exalted" or "lofty." 

This plant will grow in partial shade, dappled shade, and full shade. It requires high humidity, and moist, loamy soil with high organic matter. It can tolerate occasional wet soil, dry soil, bright light, and heavy shade. It is best to allow the soil to dry out between watering. It does not tolerate overly wet or saturated soils. For optimal growth, temperatures between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended. It is winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12.  It is propagated by seeds.

The mattress button plant has a rhizome root system and fleshy, succulent stems. The leaves measure up to 10 inches long and 4 inches wide and form a rosette pattern. The petiole measures up to 6 inches long. A sturdy stalk holds the flowers aloft. The inflorescence of its flowers is known as a hypanthodium, and it consists of a cup-shaped structure or receptacle with the flowers on its inner walls. It has 3 types of flowers. The female flowers are at the base of the receptacle, the male flowers are near the orifice, and short sterile flowers are found in between the female and male flowers. When the plant's fruit ripens, the seeds can be ejected up to 3 feet from the plant.

The mattress button plant is popular with plant collectors for ornamental gardening because of its showy, glossy foliage and unique flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect pests include aphids and scale insects. Overly wet conditions can cause fungal diseases.

Since this plant is easily propagated by ejecting its seeds. It has been found to be somewhat weedy in greenhouses or subtropical gardens. To prevent the spread of this plant, remove the inflorescence or flower receptacles before the fruit matures.