Scientific Name
Baynesia lophophora Bruyns
Synonyms
Ceropegia lophophora
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Baynesia
Description
Baynesia lophophora is a low-growing succulent that forms a cluster of soft spineless stems. Thet stems are erect, green to suffused with brown, and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall. Leaves are rudimentary, soon falling. They are flattened-conical with very occasional stipular denticles. The tiny nodding flowers are purple and appear in small clusters around the tips of the stems on new growth.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. They require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering. Stapeliads come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down. Water in moderation when needed in the growing season, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between November 1 and March 1.
They all need extra good drainage. Stapeliads are shallow-rooted, and a collection of them can be planted up nicely in a wide, shallow bowl. When planting, it is a good idea to allow the roots to be buried in soil and then put pure gravel or sand around the base of the plant to prevent rot.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Origin
This species is endemic to the mountainous area in the northwestern-most corner of Namibia.
Links
- Back to genus Baynesia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
